Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, October 17, 2026: The flag handing ceremony for the Malaysian contingent to the IV Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026 was held on Thursday, October 15.
The ceremony was officiated by YB Dr. Mohammed Taufiq Johari, Minister of Youth and Sport Malaysia, and graced by several sports dignitaries including Datuk Mohd Nasir Ali, Secretary General of the Olympic Council of Malaysia, Dato’ Rahimi Ismail, Secretary General, Ministry of Youth and Sport Malaysia, Mr. Arrifin Mohd Ghani, Director General, National Sports Council, and Dr. Vellapandian Ponnusamy, Chief Executive Officer, National Sports Institute.
YB Dr. Mohammed Taufiq Johari conveyed his best wishes to the Malaysian contingent, comprising 26 members, including 12 athletes (six males and six females) in nine sports: Athletics, Badminton, Beach Volleyball, Breaking, Fencing, Sailing, Skateboarding, Swimming and Wushu.
“You are the future of Malaysian sports. The opportunity to compete against the world’s best young athletes at the Youth Olympic Games provides an ideal platform for you to build mental resilience, strengthen your skills and gain a deeper understanding of the standards required to compete at the Olympic level. Make the most of this opportunity. Compete with discipline, sportsmanship, confidence and an unwavering fighting spirit,” said YB Dr. Mohammed Taufiq Johari.
During the flag handling segment, Mr. Arrifin Mohd Ghani presented the “Jalur Gemilang” to Datuk Mohd Nasir Ali, who subsequently passed it to YB Dr. Mohammed Taufiq Johari, who then passed it to Chef de Mission Wong Weng Son.
