Despite a challenging periodfor all sports globally, Oman Sail managed to rebound and stage eight world and continental events, attracting over 2,500 athletes

Muscat: Oman Sail has reflected upon a strong 2021 and shared its key priorities for next phase of development for the sailing sport in Oman.

Despite a challenging period for all sports globally, Oman Sail managed to rebound and stage eight world and continental events, attracting more than 2,500 athletes to compete in spectacular Omani shores.

From a sailing performance standpoint, the team excelled in multiple participations such as finishing in second place at the Marina Militare Nastro Rosa regatta in Italy with a 100% Omani crew, Musab Al Hadi and Waleed Al Kindi qualifying to a Gold Fleet at the 49er World Championships for the first time ever and Al Motasim Al Farsi and Abdulmalik Al Hinai getting a 1st podium position in an Olympic Class at the ILCA 6 World Championships.

These achievements served as a reminder that the national sailing programme continues to make progress towards its objectives.

The roadmap for the next ten years culminates with the goal winning a medal in sailing at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Along the way, Oman Sail has identified key milestones to measure progress and success, including the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022, taking place in September this year, qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and beyond.

Further Asian and Olympic events, such as the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 and 21st Asian Games Doha 2030, as well as the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, will provides valuable opportunities to gain experience ahead of the 2032 Games in ten years’ time.

Dr Khamis Al Jabri, CEO of Oman Sail, said, “We are incredibly proud of all of Oman Sail’s achievements to date and the progress we have made. Starting a sailing programme and building it into such a recognised name in world sport, positively impacting the lives of thousands of Omanis and bringing major events to the nation shows is an impressive feat and everyone involved in this journey has left their mark on our history.”

“Now is the chance to set the path for the next ten years and build towards the future. Our ambitions to win a medal in sailing for Oman remain on track and the progress made by our athletes shows that it is possible for Oman Sail to compete at the highest level. We will continue to support our sailors and the community, and look forward to seeing the Omani flag flying at regattas around the world in the coming years,” he added.

Oman Sail also unveiled plans to focus on academic development to support the workforce and offer career opportunities to young Omanis, as well as adopting a sharper focus on inclusivity and diversity within its community programmes and sailing schools.