Pakistan is set to field a five-member contingent, including four athletes, in the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal, with the competition scheduled to run from October 31 to November 13.
Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) announced the contingent on Friday after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) allocated Pakistan quota places in athletics and swimming.
Pakistan will be represented by Shahzain Safdar in athletics, while Hareem Malik and Syed Muhammad Daniyal Hatim will compete in swimming. Safdar will be accompanied by athletics coach Rehan Yousaf.
Lt Col (retd) Ahmed Ali Khan has been named Chef de Mission and will lead the national contingent at the Games.
According to the POA, Pakistan received one male quota place in athletics and two swimming places, one each for male and female athletes, through allocations made by the IOC.
The athletes’ nominations were reviewed and vetted by the respective international federations in line with the age limits and eligibility requirements for participation in the event.
The Dakar Games, scheduled to take place in Senegal, will provide young athletes from across the world with an opportunity to compete on an international stage and gain experience in a multi-sport event.
The POA said Pakistan’s participation reflected the IOC’s commitment to providing athletes from all National Olympic Committees with opportunities to take part in events within the Olympic Movement.
The association expressed confidence that the contingent would uphold the values of sportsmanship, discipline and integrity while representing the country.
Contingent: Lt Col (retd) Ahmed Ali Khan (chef de mission), Hareem Malik (swimmer), Syed Muhammad Daniyal Hatim (swimmer), Shahzain Safdar (athlete), Rehan Yousaf (athlete)