China announces 66-athlete contingent for 2026 Dakar Youth Olympics

China has announced a 66-athlete contingent for the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympics, with the delegation set to compete in 49 events across 21 sports at the Games in Senegal from October 31 to November 13.

The 121-member group includes 16 males and 50 females, who will participate in a broad variety of sports including athletics, swimming and table tennis.

"We are now 11 days away from the opening of the Games.

We need to believe in ourselves and be determined to do our best.

I hope all the athletes will stay calm, keep a positive mindset and show their best in competition," said Zhang Jiasheng, the delegation's chef de mission and deputy director-general of the General Administration of Sport of China.

"I'm really excited and grateful for this opportunity to represent my country.

My goal is to win the title.

I also hope to connect with athletes from other countries and regions," added table tennis player Yao Ruixuan.

Dakar 2026, the fourth edition of the Summer Youth Olympics, will bring together approximately 2,700 athletes across 25 sports.

The competitions will take place in Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly, marking the historic first-ever Olympic event held on the African continent.