NINE young Filipino athletes aged 17 and below are set to compete in the fourth edition of the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Dakar, Senegal, from October 31 to November 13.

“They are the future Olympians, future world champions, and the Dakar YOG will provide them the platform to follow in the footsteps of the Diazes and Yulos,” Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said, referring to the country’s Olympic gold medalists Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo and Carlos Yulo.

Representing the Philippines in Dakar are Pi Durden Wangkay in the men’s 200-meter athletics event and Naomi Marjorie Caesar in the women’s 800 meters.

In aquatics, Jamesray Mishael Ajido will compete in the men’s 100-meter butterfly, while Riannah Chantelle Coleman will see action in the women’s 100-meter breaststroke.

Maritanya Krog will represent the country in women’s road cycling and the individual time trial, while Tchelzy Maayo and Hillarion Palles III will compete in artistic gymnastics.

Angel Polo will see action in the women’s combined Taijiquan event in wushu, while Jade Justiniane will represent the Philippines in windsurfing under sailing.

Philippine Taekwondo Association secretary-general Rocky Samson will serve as the country’s Chef de Mission to the Games.

Held every four years, the Youth Olympic Games were previously staged in Singapore in 2010, Nanjing in 2014, and Buenos Aires in 2018. The Dakar edition marks the first time an Olympic event will be held on African soil.

The young Filipino athletes will compete following the country’s improved performance at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, where the Philippines won four gold, nine silver, and 16 bronze medals.

The country will also see action in the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from December 13 to 21.

The Philippines has won two medals in previous editions of the Youth Olympic Games.

Luis Gabriel Moreno captured gold in the mixed international team archery event with China’s Li Jiaman at the 2014 Nanjing Games, while Christian Tio claimed silver in the boys’ twin-tip racing event in kiteboarding.

Around 2,700 athletes from more than 200 National Olympic Committees, including a Youth Refugee Olympic Team, are expected to compete in 25 sports, alongside 10 engagement sports.