WINDHOEK, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Namibia will send 12 athletes to compete in seven sports at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, the first Olympic event to be held in Africa.
The Namibian delegation will compete in athletics, beach volleyball, beach wrestling, boxing, cycling, swimming and triathlon at the Games, which run from October 31 to November 13 in Senegal.
Speaking at a flag handover ceremony for Team Namibia at State House in Windhoek on Thursday, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah described the Games as a historic milestone for African sport.
The event will take place across Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly, bringing together approximately 2,700 young athletes from more than 200 delegations.
Nandi-Ndaitwah urged the athletes to represent Namibia with pride, discipline and resilience, stressing that their contribution to the country would not be measured solely by medals.
She also encouraged them to learn from their international counterparts, build friendships and use the experience to develop their sporting abilities.
The president highlighted the importance of sport in Namibia's Sixth National Development Plan, which prioritizes broader participation, improved infrastructure and the professionalization and commercialization of the sports sector.
She said Namibia aims to establish a sustainable sports system that identifies and nurtures young talent, strengthens coaching and sports federations, and creates employment and professional opportunities.
Nandi-Ndaitwah also called on the private sector to invest in young athletes, coaches, sports facilities and development programs to support the country's long-term sporting ambitions. ■