Kuala Lumpur:Malaysia is targeting at least one medal at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal, scheduled from October 31 to November 13. Badminton and wushu are among the primary sports in which Malaysia hopes to excel.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Youth and Sports Minister Dr. Mohammed Taufiq Johari highlighted the medal target based on the potential of the 12 young Malaysian athletes participating in the fourth edition of the Games. He emphasized the importance of the Youth Olympic Games for athletes under 18, as it offers opportunities to nurture talent and prepare them for future competitions.

The Malaysian team includes six male and six female athletes competing in 16 events across nine sports athletics, swimming, badminton, beach volleyball, breaking, fencing, sailing, skateboarding, and wushu. The Jalur Gemilang handover ceremony for the Malaysian contingent took place at the Youth and Sports Ministry Tower.

Malaysian contingent Chef de Mission Wong Weng Son expressed confidence in the badminton and wushu athletes' ability to perform well, despite challenges following changes in the sporting landscape post-COVID-19 pandemic. Malaysia will field one athlete in the combined Taijiquan and Taijijian wushu event and one men's singles badminton player.

Wong emphasized the importance of athletes achieving personal bests as preparation for future major competitions, such as the 2027 SEA Games or possibly the Olympic Games. He noted that delivering their best performance is crucial for the athletes' development.

The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games will be a historic event as the first Olympic event held on the African continent, with approximately 2,700 young athletes from around the world expected to participate. The Malaysian delegation comprises 26 members, including nine coaches and four secretariat officials. Malaysia previously won two gold medals at the 2018 Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, Argentina.