Youth Olympics 2026: India's 17-member squad targets medals in historic Dakar edition
Synopsis
Dakar 2026 is a historic first — an Olympic event on African soil — and India is sending 17 young athletes with genuine medal pedigree. With Paris Olympian Dhinidhi Desinghu, Asian U17 badminton champion Tanvi Patri, and 14-year-old windsurfer Priyanshi Patil, this may be India's most credible Youth Olympics squad in years, chasing a record that peaked at 13 medals in Buenos Aires 2018.
Key Takeaways
India has fielded a 17-member contingent — 11 women, 6 men — at the 2026 Summer Youth Olympics in Dakar, Senegal .
The Games, running 31 October to 13 November 2026 , mark Dakar's place as the first African city to host an Olympic sporting event.
India's best-known athlete in the squad is swimmer Dhinidhi Desinghu , a Paris 2024 Olympian competing in three events.
Tanvi Patri , the Asian U17 badminton champion , and 14-year-old windsurfer Priyanshi Patil are among the standout names.
India have won 23 official medals in three prior Youth Olympics editions; their best haul was 13 medals at Buenos Aires 2018 .
The Games can be streamed live in India on Olympics.com ; no TV broadcast is scheduled.
A 17-member Indian contingent is set to compete across 11 sports at the 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, as the country looks to extend its impressive multi-edition record at the Games, which opened on Saturday, 31 October and run through 13 November 2026. The fourth edition marks a historic milestone — Dakar becomes the first African city ever to host an Olympic sporting event.
A Landmark Edition for African Sport
Approximately 2,700 athletes from around the world are expected to compete across 25 sports in 153 medal events, with competitions spread across three venues: Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly. The opening ceremony was held at Stade Abdoulaye Wade in Diamniadio on 31 October, while the closing ceremony is scheduled for 13 November. The event's African debut is widely regarded as a turning point for the continent's sporting infrastructure and visibility.
India's Squad: Key Athletes to Watch
India's contingent of 11 women and six men includes several young athletes with strong competitive pedigrees. Swimmer Dhinidhi Desinghu, who represented India at the Paris 2024 Olympics, is among the most prominent names, competing in the women's 100m freestyle, 200m freestyle, and 200m individual medley. Badminton player Tanvi Patri, the reigning Asian U17 champion, will contest the women's singles draw.
The squad's youngest member is 14-year-old windsurfer Priyanshi Patil, who will compete in the women's windsurfing event from 8 to 12 November. Syndrela Das will represent India in table tennis, while Tirthank Pegu will swim the men's 100m and 200m butterfly. The delegation is led by Chef de Mission Om Prakash Singh Karhana, a former Asian champion shot putter.
India's Youth Olympics Record
India have accumulated 23 official medals across the three previous Youth Olympics editions — comprising 3 gold, 16 silver, and 4 bronze. The country's most successful outing came at Buenos Aires 2018, where India secured 13 medals, including 3 gold, 9 silver, and 1 bronze. An additional 4 medals from mixed-National Olympic Committee events — where athletes from different nations compete together — are not counted in the official tally. This edition presents India with a fresh opportunity to match or surpass its Buenos Aires haul.
Full India Squad for Dakar 2026
Archery: Gatha Anandrao Khadake (women's individual) | Athletics: Shourya Ambure (women's 100m hurdles) | Badminton: Tanvi Patri (women's singles), Dev Ruparelia (men's singles) | Boxing: Gunjan (women's 48kg), Ambekar Meetei Lairenlakpam (men's 50kg) | Equestrian: Sresht Raju Mantena (individual jumping) | Judo: Khushbu Rajakbhai Darjada (women's 63kg) | Sailing: Priyanshi Patil (women's windsurfing) | Swimming: Dhinidhi Desinghu (women's 100m freestyle, 200m freestyle, 200m individual medley), Tirthank Pegu (men's 100m butterfly, 200m butterfly) | Table Tennis: Syndrela Das (women's singles) | Beach Wrestling: Antra (women's 65kg), Taniya (women's 75kg), Anuj (men's 70kg), Deepanshu Khokhar (men's 80kg) | Wushu: Rajkumari Lanchenbi Chanu (women's Changquan Combined).
How to Watch Youth Olympics 2026 in India
Indian viewers can stream the Games live on Olympics.com. No live television broadcast has been scheduled for Indian audiences. With events running until 13 November, fans will need to follow digital platforms for updates, results, and live action.
Point of View
With a peak of 13 at Buenos Aires 2018 — yet the event rarely commands mainstream attention back home. The absence of a domestic TV broadcast for Dakar 2026 is telling: India produces medal-winning young athletes at the Youth Olympics but struggles to convert that pipeline into public investment or sporting culture. Dhinidhi Desinghu's presence as a Paris Olympian raises the squad's profile, but the real question is whether the system rewards these athletes after they return. Youth Olympic medals have historically not translated into long-term institutional support for the sports they represent.
NationPress
31 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where are the 2026 Summer Youth Olympics being held?
The 2026 Summer Youth Olympics are being held in Dakar, Senegal, from 31 October to 13 November 2026. The opening ceremony took place at Stade Abdoulaye Wade in Diamniadio, making Dakar the first African city ever to host an Olympic sporting event.
How many athletes has India sent to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics?
India has sent a 17-member contingent — 11 women and 6 men — competing across 11 sports. The squad is led by Chef de Mission Om Prakash Singh Karhana, a former Asian champion shot putter.
Who are India's top medal hopes at the 2026 Youth Olympics?
Swimmer Dhinidhi Desinghu, who competed at the Paris 2024 Olympics, is India's highest-profile athlete, entering three events. Badminton player Tanvi Patri, the Asian U17 champion, and 14-year-old windsurfer Priyanshi Patil are also considered strong contenders for attention on the medal front.
What is India's Youth Olympics medal record?
India have won 23 official medals across three editions — 3 gold, 16 silver, and 4 bronze. Their most successful campaign was at Buenos Aires 2018, where they secured 13 medals including 3 gold. An additional 4 medals from mixed-National Olympic Committee events are not counted in the official tally.
How can Indian fans watch the Youth Olympics 2026 live?
Indian viewers can watch the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympics via live streaming on Olympics.com. No live television broadcast has been scheduled for India.
