Oman's National Sailing Team concluded its participation at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya with two outstanding performances. This team, supported by the Oman Olympic Committee, competed against the elite of Asian sailing and, despite being close to the podium, demonstrated its skills and progress in both the youth teams and high-performance boats categories.
Impressive Performance of the 29er Youth Team
The 29er youth team, consisting of Firas Haitham Al-Nabani and Tamim Suleiman Al-Balushi, achieved a remarkable success by finishing fourth in their first appearance at the Asian Games. This result reflects their significant progress in this challenging class and confirms their strong potential to compete at international levels.
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The 49er Team and Strong Performance in Competitions
In the 49er category, the experienced team of Ahmed Gharib Al-Hasani and Walid Issa Al-Kindi showcased their excellent performance by finishing fifth against a high-level international fleet. This team strengthened its position among the best sailors in the region by demonstrating determination and tactical skills.
The preparation and presence of the team at these games were made possible with the valuable support of the gold partner, ELB&T, and its local partner, National Al-Ramouz Company. This ongoing collaboration plays a vital role in enabling the training, competition, and success of Omani sailors in major continental and global events.
Abdulaziz Salim Al-Shidi, Executive Director of Sailing in Oman, expressed satisfaction with the teams' achievements, stating: "The performance of both teams at the 2026 Asian Games is another important step for sailing in Oman. For Firas and Tamim, finishing fourth in their first appearance in the 29er class is an achievement that confirms the work done in our youth development programs. Additionally, Ahmed and Walid demonstrated their true capabilities against a strong 49er field. This high-level competitive experience provides the necessary momentum for our continued journey towards future successes, including our Olympic aspirations."
Dr. John Kim, Chairman of ELB&T, and Mr. Ali Sahab, Chairman of National Al-Ramouz Company, also praised the athletes' determination and progress, adding: "We are very pleased with the strong performance and inspiring determination of Omani sailors at the 2026 Asian Games. Seeing the successes of the 29er youth team and the 49er team reflects the exceptional discipline and effort behind Oman Sailing's development strategy. This support allows us to nurture the talents of these athletes and guide them towards gaining global experience."
With valuable experiences gained under pressure in Japan, Oman Sailing aims to leverage these results to advance a new generation of sailors while respecting the country's rich maritime heritage and continuing the path of global sailing for teams to perform at the highest level.
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