MUSCAT, SEPT 22
Oman’s national sailing team is ready to begin its campaign at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya after completing an intensive eight-day training camp on Japanese waters.
The four-member squad, led by Team Lead Hashim bin Hamad al Rashdi and coach Fabrice Jaunet, will compete at Kaiyoh Yacht Harbor in Gamagori from September 26 to October 3, with 12 fleet races scheduled across the regatta.
The team brings together experience and youth, with Ahmed bin Ghareeb al Hasani and Waleed bin Issa al Kindi representing Oman in the 49er class, while Feras bin Haitham al Nabhani and Tamim bin Sulieman al Balushi will compete in the 29er class.
The preparation camp provided the sailors with an opportunity to familiarise themselves with local conditions and sharpen key elements of their racing strategy. Particular attention was given to starting procedures, skiff handling, boat tuning and reading wind patterns, all of which will be important as the Omani sailors face strong competition from across the continent.
Abdulaziz bin Salim al Shidi, Acting Sailing Director at Oman Sail, said the Asian Games represented an important stage in the development of the national sailing programme and its wider Olympic pathway.
“Our participation in the 2026 Asian Games is a proud showcase of Oman Sail’s structured pathway in action. Seeing emerging athletes such as Feras and Tamim compete alongside experienced sailors such as Ahmed and Waleed demonstrates that our youth development programmes are creating opportunities for Omani sailors to progress to the highest levels,” he said.
Al Shidi added that competing under the Oman Olympic Committee would give the young sailors valuable experience ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
“Every race at this regatta provides invaluable high-pressure experience that brings us closer to our Olympic ambitions. We are confident that the team will represent Oman with pride, discipline and competitive spirit,” he said.
The team’s participation is supported by Gold Partner ELB&T Ltd. Group Chairman Dr John (Young Ill) Kim said the company was proud to support the national team on the Asian stage and praised the commitment shown by the sailors and coaching staff during their preparations.
Waleed al Kindi returns to the Asian Games after winning a historic silver medal in the 49er class with Musab bin Mohammed al Hadi at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. His experience will provide an important reference point for the current squad as it seeks another strong continental performance.
Competing under the Oman Olympic Committee, the four sailors will carry Oman’s hopes at Gamagori while continuing a development pathway that aims to take young sailors from community-level participation to international competition and, ultimately, the Olympic stage.
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