Mali targets first medal at Dakar Youth Olympics
Five Malian athletes aged 15-17 will compete in athletics, fencing, judo, swimming, and taekwondo.
Mali is participating in the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) held in Dakar, Senegal, from October 31 to November 13, 2026. The Malian delegation, comprising five athletes including two women, aims to win at least one medal at this first edition organized on the African continent. The young athletes, aged between 15 and 17, will compete in athletics, fencing, judo, swimming, and taekwondo.
The delegation is led by Abdoul Wahab Zéromé, vice-president of the Malian National Olympic and Sports Committee. Taekwondo is seen as a strong contender for a medal, with past successes from athletes like Daba Modibo Keïta and Ismaël Coulibaly, and Bintou Diakité's recent gold at the African Taekwondo Championships in Bamako. The athletes have expressed their determination to perform well for Mali.
This participation aligns with the Malian authorities' efforts to support sports development. The athletes are focused on giving their best to represent Mali with dignity and potentially secure a medal. The YOG in Dakar represent an opportunity for these young Malian talents to showcase their skills on an international stage.
Why it mattersFive Malian athletes are competing in the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, with the hope of winning a medal.