Four athletes set for Dakar Youth Olympics

DHAKA, October 27: Four young Bangladeshi athletes are set to represent the country in athletics, boxing and swimming at the 4th Youth Olympic Games 2026 in Dakar, Senegal, scheduled to be held from October 31 to November 13.

Md Doltuzzaman Khan, executive director of the National Sports Council, will lead the Bangladesh contingent as Chef de Mission.

Doltuzzaman Khan and the country's swimming team will leave Dhaka for Senegal tomorrow, October 28. The boxing team is scheduled to arrive in Dakar on November 3, followed by the athletics team on November 4.

The Bangladesh delegation is expected to return home on November 10, according to the information provided by the organisers.

Two swimmers, Maisha Akhtar Mim and Md Abdul Azim, will compete for Bangladesh in the pool. Maisha will take part in the women's 50-metre and 100-metre freestyle events, while Azim will compete in the men's 50-metre freestyle and 100-metre backstroke.

Md Abdul Hossain Dhali will serve as the swimming team's coach and manager.

In athletics, Md Shipon Mia will represent Bangladesh in the men's 100-metre sprint, with Md Abdullah Hel Kafi accompanying him as coach.

Nayan Tripura Joni will compete in the men's 70kg boxing category under the guidance of coach Md Al Amin.

Expressing optimism about the young athletes' participation, Brigadier General (Retd) A B M Shefaul Kabir, on behalf of the Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA), said he hoped the contingent would demonstrate its best abilities and sportsmanship on the international stage and bring honour to the country.

He also highlighted the importance of competing at a global youth event, saying the experience would help the athletes develop their skills and prepare for higher-level international competitions in the future.

The Dakar Games will provide the four athletes with an opportunity to test themselves against international opposition and gain valuable experience as they pursue their sporting careers.