Founded in 2017 by the Alliance of Independent Recognised Members of Sport, the UTS is fully recognised by the International Olympic Committee and the Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF).

The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation between the two organisations, as well as aiding in sharing knowledge and experience.

Secretary general Mohamed Hassan Al-Half represented the BOC, while the vice president of GAISF and secretary general of the International Muay Thai Federation Stephan Fox was also in attendance.

Al-Half said the MoU will lead to the BOC providing sports activities for children to achieve greater inclusivity, development in communities, and promoting gender equality.

Fox expressed his "deep pride" in signing the MoU and praised the BOC for its cooperation.

Bahrain has competed at nine Summer Olympics, but has never featured at the Winter Olympics.

It won its first medal at London 2012 when Maryam Yusuf Jamal secured the gold medal in the women's 1500 metres.

Ruth Jebet then won the country's second gold medal in the women's 3,000m steeplechase at Rio 2016, while Eunice Kirwa and Kalkidan Gezahegne won silver medals in the women's marathon at Rio 2016 and the women's 10,000m in Tokyo respectively.

Bahrain has also participated in 10 Asian Games since 1982, winning 37 gold, 25 silver and 23 bronze medals.

It has also competed in seven Pan Arab Games since 1985.