New Delhi, India, October 27, 2026: India will be represented by 17 athletes across 11 sports at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games which gets underway on Saturday.
The Indian Olympic Association announced the youth contingent on Monday. For the young athletes picked for Dakar 2026 from October 31 to November 13, the Games offer an important opportunity to test themselves on the international stage.
Indian media reported that during the Games, IOA President PT Usha is expected to sign several MoUs on sports cooperation and exchange with National Olympic Committees of African countries, including Namibia and Mauritius, among others.
“Dakar 2026 is an important milestone for our young athletes,” PT Usha was quoted as saying by Indian news agency ANI.
“They represent the future of Indian sport, and among them may be the future champions who will represent India at Brisbane 2032 and beyond. I wish the entire contingent every success and am confident that they will make the country proud.
“I also extend my best wishes to the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee and the Senegalese Olympic Committee. Hosting the first Olympic event on the African continent is a historic moment for the Olympic Movement, and we look forward to sharing this landmark occasion with Senegal and the wider Olympic community,” Usha added.