Suloom in hunt as battle for title hots up at World Sailing Inclusion C’ships

Amir Naqvi, Sports Editor

The 2025 World Sailing Inclusion Championships continued in Mussanah, Oman, with competitive momentum surging and the atmosphere growing ever more intense as the inaugural edition edges toward its decisive stages.

Organised by Oman Sail in collaboration with World Sailing, this global event has gathered a roster of sailors from across the world, each showcasing remarkable skill, determination, and tactical mastery on the water.

In the Intellectual Impairment (ILCA 6) event, the UAE’s Marwan Suloom, representing the nations Special Olympics team, kept the hopes firmly alive as he maintained a third place amid a fiercely contested field.

Suloom’s steady performance and consistent control ensured the UAE remained strongly positioned on the podium heading into the final stages of competition.

At the front of the fleet, Britain’s Murray Macdonald extended his dominance with another commanding display, while Hong Kong’s Tsz Hin Cheung held a solid second, applying constant pressure.

Yet it was Suloom’s resilience in third that drew significant attention, as he successfully defended his position against a determined pack of challengers.

With a tough battle ahead for the top spot, the Emirati’s efforts have placed the UAE in a promising medal position.

The Dubai-resident delivered a remarkable performance at the 2019 Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi, though a medal narrowly eluded him. Determined to refine his skills and strengthen his performance, he returned stronger, clinching a well-deserved second place in the RS Venture Connect class at the 2024 Special Olympics Mena Regional Sailing Competition held in Dubai.

“Marwan (Suloom) delivered an impressive performance, keeping himself firmly in contention for a podium finish. Our hopes are high as we look forward to seeing him elevate his performance even further and challenge for the top spot, said Najwa Al Nuaimi head of the UAE delegation.

“We are honoured to be in Oman, taking part in the inaugural World Sailing Inclusion Championships-a landmark moment for our athletes. This event represents a significant step forward, offering them the invaluable opportunity to compete alongside some of the world’s finest sailors.

“Just last year, the UAE hosted the first Special Olympics Mena Regional Sailing Competition which was held at Dubai International Marine Club, and participating in a global championships today reflects the remarkable progress our team continues to make.

“With the unwavering support of our wise leadership, we are committed to providing our athletes with the training, guidance, and resources they need to compete at a truly world-class level, she added.

“Members of the team undergo extensive training at clubs dedicated to People of Determination across Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Dubai- that play a vital role in developing their skills, confidence, and competitive spirit. Their dedication is immense, and we remain fully invested in helping them rise to new heights on the international stage.”

Dubai Offshore Sailing Club (DOSC) has also been represented in the competition, with six sailors from its RYA SailAbility programme participating in the championships, held in Mussanah, Oman, from 3-8 December. The athletes have been competing in the Para Two-Person Keelboat World Championship and the RS Venture Connect vategory.

Meanwhile, momentum surged across the championships as shifting winds and bold tactics reshaped the standings in several classes.

In the Hansa 303 class, Britain’s Rory McKinna held firm at the top of the leaderboard, pursued closely by Japan’s Takumi Niwa and Portugal’s Joao Pinto, while Oman’s Malik Al Qurtubi climbed steadily to 11th place.

The RS Venture Connect category remained fiercely contested, with Poland’s Piotr Cichocki and Olga Gornas-Grudzien maintaining their commanding lead. Portugal’s duo, Pedro Cancio Reis and Guilherme Ribeiro, surged into second, while Greece’s Vasilis Christoforou and Thodoris Alexas secured third. Oman’s pairing of Zaher Al Atbi and Hassan Al Lawati continued their efforts, standing 14th overall.