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SAILING sensation Sami Al Kooheji has his sights firmly set on Asian Games glory after returning to peak race fitness and grabbing gold in the GCC Beach Games in Bahrain by winning seven out of 12 races.
The 26-year-old has raced to the top of the sport's regional ranking places and now has to concentrate on the latest challenge of his sporting career since representing the kingdom in the Athens Olympic Games in 2004 and Asian Games in Doha two years later.
He is determined to make his mark this time as a serious medal contender. 'I'm more mature now, more disciplined, have more experience at winning races and I'm totally focused,' he said.
Al Kooheji wed sweetheart Carrie last year and has been so determined to succeed that he persuaded his bride to postpone their vacation plans so that he could concentrate on the China challenge ahead.
He has spent a year competing in different regattas in preparation for the November 12-27 splashdown. Al Kooheji, who lifted a gold medal for Bahrain at the 2004 Pan Arab Games in Algeria, became the most successful Arab sailor on record but in 2005 took a break from sailing to concentrate on his childhood dream of becoming an airline pilot. After spending two years studying in Dubai and the US he obtained a commercial airline pilot licence.
He has been able to return to competitive sailing action in the Laser Standard Class thanks to sponsorship from his employer Air Arabia, as well as BMI Bank and Audi Bahrain.
He said: 'My campaign leading up to the Asian Games has been the most successful in my sailing career. I started racing again in February and my results and performances have improved throughout all the regattas I've competed in.
'Thanks to my sponsors' funding, I have been able to go on a GCC tour as well as participate in four events in the UK and Italy. These events were great in bringing up my standard and improving my race fitness.
'I have also regained the top ranking in the GCC as well as winning four of the events.'
The sailing section of the Asian Games will be held at the Guangdong Ocean Sports Training Centre (GOSTC), Shanwei. Al Kooheji said: 'This is the second biggest sporting event after the Olympic Games.
'There are usually 10,000 athletes from all over the world - the feeling of different countries and cultures coming together is an amazing experience in itself. Also, it really is an honour to represent your country at such a high-profile sporting occasion.
'Many of the sailors I will be competing against at the Games sail full-time and get paid to do so. This is my part-time passion but it doesn't mean I can't go and try for a medal because I believe I have the necessary talent.
'I can combine that with the experience I have gained. In fact, I think being an airline pilot has truly improved my sailing because it has taught me to be more focused and disciplined.
'The sailing conditions out there should suit me as they have big waves and strong winds. I have an opportunity and if I get a medal I will be very happy. I want to make my country proud.'
As well as flying the flag for Bahrain in China Al Kooheji will also be acting as a goodwill ambassador for Think Pink Bahrain, the breast cancer awareness campaign.
He explained: 'When making the decision to get back into competitive sailing, I also decided that I wanted to do something that would make a difference within the community.
'I hope that my support will highlight to a wider audience the work that Think Pink and other similar charities do in this area.
'A few years ago I lost an aunt to breast cancer which made me realise how many people's lives are affected by this disease.
'I have followed the progress that Think Pink has made in Bahrain over the years and wanted to come on board to help. Think Pink have been very successful in educating people about the need for regular check-ups. In fact, just a few years ago many people in Bahrain didn't understand what breast cancer was. Some stigma still remains for women and men but huge advances have been made by everybody involved with Think Pink to enlighten the public.'
Al Kooheji will join a partty of around 30 sportsmen and women travelling to the Asian Games on November 10.
The opening ceremony is on November 12 and the sailing section starts two days later and runs until November 21. Al Kooheji's wife has promised to travel to China and cheer him on in the later stages.
