Indian Olympic Association Names 17-Member Contingent for Dakar Youth Olympics

The Indian Olympic Association has officially announced a 17-member athlete contingent spanning 11 sports for the upcoming Dakar 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games in Senegal. Scheduled to take place from October 31 to November 13, the competition marks a historic milestone as the very first Olympic event hosted on African soil.

Around 2,700 young athletes representing 207 delegations are expected to participate across 25 sports at the Games, which are tailored for competitors aged up to 17. The event combines high-level international competition with unique opportunities for cultural exchange and educational development.

India's squad features representatives in archery, athletics, badminton, boxing, equestrian, judo, sailing, swimming, table tennis, beach wrestling, and wushu. Among the selected athletes is badminton player Tanvi Patri, who will compete in the women's singles event, adding to the nation's proud tradition in the sport.

IOA President P.T. Usha emphasized the importance of the upcoming Games for the country's rising sports stars. "Dakar 2026 is an important milestone for our young athletes. They represent the future of Indian sport, and among them may be the champions who will represent India at Brisbane 2032 and beyond," Usha stated.

Table tennis player Sarthak Arya, another member of the Indian contingent, shared his long-term ambitions regarding the event. "The Youth Olympics will be a stepping-stone in my journey. I dream of representing India at the Commonwealth Games in Amdavad in 2030 and then at the Olympic Games in Brisbane in 2032," Arya noted.

Beyond athletic competition, the event will offer the IOA an opportunity to collaborate with global National Olympic Committees on talent identification and athlete pathways. Usha is also scheduled to sign several memoranda of understanding regarding sports cooperation and knowledge sharing with African counterparts, including Namibia and Mauritius.

The Youth Olympics will provide vital experience for these young competitors as they prepare for future international tournaments, laying a strong foundation for the continued growth of sports excellence in India.