The 2026 Youth Olympic Games officially began in Senegal yesterday, with five Sri Lankan athletes set to represent the country at the international sporting event.
The opening ceremony was colourful and vibrant, featuring a range of traditional Senegalese cultural performances.
A total of 2,654 athletes from 205 countries are taking part in the Games, which feature 151 events across 25 sports.
Sri Lanka will be represented by five athletes across four sports.
Lahiru Achintha will compete in the men’s 1,500-metre athletics event, while Julie Hoopes and Tariq Blurk will represent Sri Lanka in swimming.
Nethmi Ratnayake is set to compete in badminton, while Ashen Punchihewa will take part in taekwondo.
The 2026 Youth Olympic Games will continue until October 31.
