Oman Sailing, ELB&T partner for 2026 Asian Games

MUSCAT: Oman Sail has signed a strategic partnership agreement with South Korean company ELB&T Ltd, in cooperation with its local strategic partner National Symbols LLC, to become Gold Partners supporting Oman’s national 49er and 29er sailing teams under the High Performance Programme ahead of the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games in Japan.
The partnership will provide the two national teams with comprehensive support covering specialised training camps, equipment, logistics, travel and accommodation, technical coaching, insurance and technical assistance, as well as a final preparation camp in Japan before the Asian Games.
Dr Khamis al Jabri, CEO of Oman Sail, said the partnership reflects the organisation’s belief that meaningful investment in sport goes beyond financial support and must include investment in human capital and the development of national talent.

He expressed confidence in the two teams’ ability to compete strongly in Japan, with the ultimate ambition of reaching the podium and challenging for Asian Games medals. Al Jabri also welcomed ELB&T as a new international investor in Oman, describing its involvement as a reflection of the company’s confidence in the country’s investment environment and its commitment to contributing to Oman’s development.
Dr John Kim, Chairman of ELB&T Ltd, said the company was proud to join Oman Sail as a Gold Partner. He highlighted Oman’s rich maritime heritage and praised the young sailors for embodying values of discipline, ambition and commitment that align with ELB&T’s focus on innovation, excellence, precision and international cooperation.

The partnership will also have a community dimension. Following the Asian Games, Oman Sail will launch a sailing experience programme for school students in Al Duqm, introducing young people to sailing and helping identify new talent. The initiative supports Oman Vision 2040 objectives related to youth empowerment, community participation and the development of national capabilities.
The 29er team is following an intensive programme of training camps and international competition, including preparations in Ras Al Hadd, participation in the 29er European Championship in the Czech Republic and Oman Sailing events, before travelling to Gamagori, Japan, for its final acclimatisation camp ahead of the Asian Games, scheduled for September 26 to October 4.

The 49er team has also completed an extensive preparation programme in Oman and Europe, including participation in the World and European Championships and training camps in Germany, Portugal and France alongside leading international sailors.
29er sailor Firas al Nabhani said the team had completed several overseas camps and gained valuable experience against world-class competitors. “Our goal is clear: to compete for the gold medal. We believe we have the ability to challenge strongly,” he said.
His team-mate Tamim al Balushi said the team had reached a high level of technical and physical readiness after intensive training and international competition.
Meanwhile, 49er sailor Walid al Kindi said preparations had followed a comprehensive programme involving international camps and major competitions. The upcoming Asian Games will mark his fourth Asian Games appearance, following his participation in 2014, 2018 and 2022, when he won a silver medal.
Al Kindi added that partnerships with the private sector provide vital support for athletes and help create the right conditions to compete at the highest level.