Youth Olympics" Africa opens in Dhaka, Senegal. Taiwan's new generation enters the venue showing enthusiasm and vitality

The Chinese delegation consists of swimmer Li Han and martial arts player Zhu Youen as male and female flag bearers. (Provided by the Athletic Department)

[Reporter Liang Weiming/Comprehensive Report] The opening ceremony of the 4th Youth Olympic Games in 2026 was unveiled today at the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in Dhaka, Senegal, Taiwan time, officially launching the 15-day schedule.

The Chinese delegation, led by male swimmer Li Han and female martial arts routine player Zhu Youen, served as flag bearers and led a total of six teams including swimming, badminton, 5-a-side baseball, judo, martial arts, and table tennis. They attended the opening ceremony with team leader Chen Meiyan and other team members. They entered the venue amid enthusiastic cheers from the audience. The team members waved their flags to greet the audience, showing the enthusiasm and vitality of youth sports.

The Dhaka Youth Olympics was originally scheduled to be held in 2022, but was postponed to this year due to the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic. The games use the slogan "Africa Welcomes, Dakar Celebrates" to showcase the enthusiasm and festive spirit of the African continent. This is also the first time that an Olympic event is held on the African continent, writing an important milestone for the development of the Olympic Games. For athletes, setting foot on African soil to participate in large-scale international competitions is not only the accumulation of competitive experience, but also an important opportunity to communicate with athletes of the same generation from around the world and expand their horizons.

The Ministry of Sports stated that my country has selected a total of 37 athletes to participate in 17 sports competitions for this Youth Olympic Games, including archery, track and field, badminton, 3x3 basketball, break dancing, boxing, 5-a-side baseball, free cycling, fencing, sailing, skateboarding, swimming, taekwondo, triathlon, table tennis, martial arts, and judo. We look forward to all Chinese people cheering for Taiwanese athletes and welcoming this meaningful Youth Olympics together.

The Chinese delegation entered the opening ceremony of Dhaka Youth Olympic Games. (Provided by the Athletic Department)