Oman's national rowing team is preparing for its competitions in the 2026 Asian Games, which will be held in Aichi-Nagoya, with an intensive eight-day training session in the waters of Japan. This team, led by Hashim Hamad Al-Rashdi and coached by Fabrice Janit, will participate in 12 floating events taking place from September 26 to October 3.
Team Composition and Sponsors
The Omani delegation includes two experienced rowers, Ahmed Gharib Al-Hashimi and Walid Issa Al-Kindi, along with two young talents, Firas Haitham Al-Nabani and Tamim Suleiman Al-Balushi. This team is proudly supported by golden partner ELB&T Ltd, representing a dynamic collaboration between corporate leadership and national sporting aspirations.
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Team Readiness and Goals
The rowers have meticulously improved their pre-competition routines, high-speed boat adjustments, and local wind readings, entering the competitions with tactical readiness and high expectations.
Abdulaziz Salim Al-Shidi, Executive Director of Rowing in Oman Sail, emphasized the importance of these competitions in Oman's long-term strategy, stating: "Our participation in the 2026 Asian Games is a proud showcase of Oman Sail's structural journey. Seeing young athletes like Firas and Tamim alongside experienced rowers like Ahmed and Walid demonstrates that our youth development programs are producing world-class rowers capable of competing at the highest level.
"Representing the country under the Oman Olympic Committee is both an honor and a significant step. As we approach the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, every competition in this event provides us with valuable experience under pressure that brings us closer to our Olympic aspirations. We are confident that our team will proudly raise the flag of Oman with discipline and competitive spirit."
Dr. John (Yang Il) Kim, Chairman of ELB&T Ltd, expressed joy that the team is entering official competitions, saying: "ELB&T Ltd is very proud to stand behind Oman's national rowing team. Supporting these outstanding Omani athletes on such a prestigious stage aligns perfectly with our commitment to promoting excellence, perseverance, and international achievements.
"The efforts of the rowers and coaching staff during the preparations have truly been inspiring. On behalf of everyone at ELB&T, I extend our best wishes to the entire team representing Oman in pursuit of success in Japan."
Walid Issa Al-Kindi competed in the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, alongside his teammate Musab Mohammed Al-Hadi, and together they earned a historic silver medal. This year, the team aims to build on that success and win more medals for the country in Japan.
This four-member team, under the supervision of the Oman Olympic Committee, will compete at the Kayak Port in Gamagori and will face the best rowers in Asia in their respective classes. They carry the hopes of the nation and honor Oman's rich maritime heritage, proving that the Oman Sail pathway can change the lives of Omani youth, from social sessions to the highest levels of the sport.
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