Hamed targets strong debut at Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics

DAKAR: Omani swimmer Hamed bin Sulaiman al Hasani has begun final preparations for his debut at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, aiming to gain valuable international experience and deliver strong performances.
The Omani aquatics team became the first national team from Oman to arrive at the Olympic Village ahead of the fourth edition of the Summer Youth Olympic Games, scheduled for October 31 to November 13.
The team comprises Hamed, Algerian coach Mohamed Bouguerra and administrative, medical and media staff. The delegation was received at Blaise Diagne International Airport by Saheem bin Khalaf al Subhi, Acting Chef de Mission.
Hamed will begin training at the swimming venue on Friday ahead of the men’s 400m and 800m freestyle events on November 1 and 3, respectively.
Currently in Grade 12, Hamed was born on January 24, 2010, and specialises in freestyle events from 100m to 1,500m, as well as open-water swimming. His personal bests are 4:27 in the 400m freestyle and 9:21 in the 800m.
His preparations included a training camp in Egypt from August 19 to September 1, followed by further training at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat.
Coach Bouguerra described the Games as a valuable opportunity for the young swimmer, acknowledging the challenge of progressing to the later rounds against strong competitors, including athletes born in 2009.
The immediate objectives are to compete confidently, gain international exposure and improve his personal bests, with the experience expected to support his long-term development.
TAEKWONDO & FENCING
Oman will also be represented in taekwondo and fencing. Ziyad bin Ali al Balushi is scheduled to compete in the men’s under-48kg taekwondo category on November 8 at the Iba Mar Diop complex, while Jana al Sharji will contest the women’s individual épée event on November 10 at Dakar Expo in Diamniadio.
Al Sharji joins the Games following a silver-medal achievement at the World Fencing Championships in Costa Rica. She is also competing in Bahrain at the Asian U23 Fencing Championships and the FIE Épée World Cup.
The remaining athletes are expected to join the Olympic Village in the coming days, with logistical arrangements in place to support the delegation throughout the competition.
Al Subhi said preparations covered accommodation, transportation and access to training and competition venues. He has also attended daily meetings with delegation heads to discuss operational arrangements, including transport, the opening ceremony and accommodation.
Athletes and officials have been advised to take precautions against mosquito bites and malaria risks, while managing exposure to high temperatures and the risk of heatstroke.