THE PHILIPPINES will send nine athletes to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) this October after the gymnastics association nominated two artistic gymnasts to join the country’s delegation to the prestigious global competition for athletes aged 15 to 18.

“They’re the rising stars of Philippine sports,” Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said.

Tolentino made the statement after launching last Saturday the inaugural Southeast Asia Plus Youth Games at Solaire Resort, an initiative aimed at developing future Youth Olympic Games (YOG) athletes.

“We are hoping for a podium finish and, of course, we are praying for the gold. This is a fighting team and I believe they will do their best,” Tolentino said.

The Philippine delegation will be composed of gymnasts Hilarrion Palles III (men’s artistic gymnastics) and Tchelzy Mei Maayo (women’s artistic gymnastics); athletics bets Pi Durden Wangkay (men’s 200 meters) and Naomi Marjorie Caesar (women’s 800 meters); swimmers Riannah Chantelle Coleman (women’s 100m breaststroke) and Jamesray Mishael Ajido (men’s 100m butterfly); cyclist Maritanya Krog (women’s road race and individual time trial); wushu artist Angel Polo (women’s taijiquan combined); and sailing athlete Jade Justiniane (men’s windsurfing).

The Philippines has so far won only two medals in YOG history — a silver from Filipino-Norwegian Christian Tio in the boys’ twin-tip racing event of kiteboarding at the Buenos Aires 2018 Games, and a gold medal won by Luis Gabriel Moreno in archery’s mixed international team event with China’s Li Jiaman at the Nanjing 2014 Games.

The Dakar edition of the YOG, originally delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is scheduled from October 31 to November 13.

Around 2,700 athletes are expected to compete in 25 sports in Dakar, Senegal, with Taekwondo Association secretary-general Rock Samson serving as Chef de Mission of Team Philippines.

Tolentino expressed confidence that the young Filipino athletes will rise to the challenge and continue building the country’s legacy in international youth sports competitions.