Young Omani Swimmer Proudly Carries the Flag at Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics

A Historic Opening Ceremony

A massive crowd welcomed the world to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. Over 55,000 screaming spectators filled the Stade Abdoulaye Wade in Senegal. This marks the first Olympic event ever staged on African soil. The Omani delegation proudly joined the spectacular opening ceremony on Saturday night. Young national team swimmer Hamed bin Sulaiman Al Hasani carried the Omani flag. He led his national delegation during the massive athletes' parade. This created a massive career milestone for the young competitive swimmer.

Showcasing Omani Culture

The entire Omani team wore traditional national dress during the ceremony. They proudly showcased the Sultanate’s beautiful cultural identity on a global stage. The Senegalese President and International Olympic Committee President attended the massive party. Al Hasani called carrying the flag a deeply profound personal moment. He felt immense pride representing his homeland in front of the world. The young athlete desperately wants to set new personal bests in Dakar.

The Competitions Begin

He will compete in the men's 400-meter freestyle swimming event on Tuesday. Organizers shockingly cancelled the 800-meter event due to dangerously high water temperatures. Al Hasani continues training hard under Algerian national coach Mohamed Bouguera. Two other young Omani athletes will also compete during these prestigious games. Ziyad bin Ali Al Balushi will fight in the men's taekwondo tournament. World championship silver medallist Jana Al Sharji will compete in women's fencing. The entire nation expects great results from these three talented athletes.

Support our young national athletes abroad. Follow their complete Olympic journey on Oman Day.