The Oman Optimist sailing team returned home with two medals, one trophy, and impressive achievements in both team and individual categories after completing their participation in the 2026 Arab Sailing Championship held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Competition Details
This event took place from September 17 to 21 at the Jeddah Sailing Center on the shores of the Red Sea, gathering a group of young sailing talents from 11 participating countries. The Oman team, consisting of five young and talented sailors including Khalid Yahya Al-Sarahi, Mohammed Suleiman Al-Balushi, Mohammed Ziad Al-Qasimi, Al-Khalil Ibrahim Al-Fouri, and Elias Maher Al-Khudhari, showcased a strong and remarkable performance.
Read more: Sultanate of Oman Hosts University Sports Competitions with 340 Student Participants
Results of the Oman Sailing Team
In the team competitions, Oman secured the second place. Additionally, in the individual competitions, Mohammed Suleiman Al-Balushi shone by winning third place and a bronze medal in the under-12 category. In the under-15 category, Oman also achieved two positions among the top 10, with Khalid Yahya Al-Sarahi finishing eighth and Mohammed Ziad Al-Qasimi in tenth place.
In addition to the strong team results, Elias Maher Al-Khudhari was recognized as the best athlete of the competition for his respect towards his competitors, teamwork, willingness to help others, and commitment to fair play. Furthermore, Nawaf Al-Ghadani, the representative of Oman Sail, was appointed as the race officer for the Optimist team competitions, contributing to the success of this event.
Comments and Future Implications
Sultan Abdulaziz Al-Zadjali, assistant coach of the youth team, commented on the team's achievements: "I am extremely proud of the determination and skills of our young sailors in Jeddah. Securing second place in the team competitions and top positions in the individual categories against the best young sailors in the region is a testament to their effort and readiness. This experience will serve as a strong foundation for their growth and progress on an international level."
Mohammed Suleiman Al-Balushi, the bronze medal champion, also stated: "Representing Oman and standing on the podium at the Arab Sailing Championship is an unforgettable feeling. The competition was intense, but our training paid off. I thank my coaches and teammates, and I hope we can build on this success in future competitions."
This event, organized by the Saudi Sailing Federation under the supervision of the Arab Sailing Federation, served as a vital regional platform for high-level competitions and technical collaborations.
After their success in Saudi Arabia, the Oman sailing team is now focusing on preparing for the Muscat Week of Competitions, which will take place from October 15 to 22, 2026. In this event, they will once again face the best international competitors.
Oman Sail's commitment to youth development through sports goes beyond competitive sailing, providing lifelong learning and leadership opportunities. By empowering Omani youth to represent the country at regional and international levels, Oman Sail directly contributes to the strategic vision of Oman 2040.
Read more: Qatar Kicks Off Its Competitions at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games · Farewell of Sayyid As'ad to the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand in Oman
