The Kingdom has become known for recruiting foreign born stars who then compete in Bahrain colours but the nation would like to produce more homegrown talent.

Earlier this month, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with the Serbian Olympic Committee which will see Bahraini athletes experience a different way of doing things.

"Our stakeholders and leaders are very engaged with sport," said Al Kooheji, speaking to insidethegames.

"Athletes who represent other countries also train with us.

"We've just signed an MoU with the Serbian Olympic Committee.

"The idea is to first of all send some of our athletes to Serbia so they can do training camps and an exchange of knowledge.

"If you hang out with small people you become small too. 

"If you hang out with big athletes the effects start to rub off on you.

"It's always good to nurture your athletes with top level athletes."

Bahrain is also targeting hosting sporting events and new infrastructure but only if it will leave a lasting legacy.

The country is bidding to host the 2024 World Weightlifting Championships and an Aquatics Centre of Excellence is being built.

"You have to have a reason to keep coming back," said Al Kooheji.

"So if you're hosting an event or not, you will still be getting top level athletes in Bahrain because they want to use the Aquatics Centre."