Overview
November 1–3, 2026
Wushu Live & Highlights
Official Olympic Channel Coverage of Wushu at Dakar 2026
Watch the CompetitionLIVEThe 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games (hereinafter referred to as "Dakar 2026 YOG") will be held from October 31 to November 13 in three competition zones across Senegal: Dakar, Saly, and Diamniadio. This marks the first time an Olympic series event is held on the African continent, a milestone of great significance. The Games will feature 25 official sports and 10 participation sports, with young athletes from around the world competing fiercely over 14 days. Great emphasis is placed on gender equality, with a total of 153 medal events, including 73 men's events, 73 women's events, and 7 mixed events.
Wushu's Youth Olympic Debut: Competition Dates and Venue
Wushu is one of the official sports at the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games, marking the first time wushu has been included as an official medal sport in an Olympic series event. The wushu competition will be held from November 1-3, 2026, at the Dakar Expo Center (DEX). A total of 48 athletes from around the world will compete in four events: men's changquan combined (changquan and gunshu), women's changquan combined (changquan and gunshu), men's taijiquan combined (taijiquan and taijishan), and women's taijiquan combined (taijiquan and taijishan), showcasing the skills and spirit of young wushu athletes.
The Dakar Expo Center is a modern, multi-purpose venue equipped with versatile halls. In addition to wushu, the venue will also host fencing, table tennis, taekwondo, judo, and gymnastics, offering spectators a diverse and exciting range of events.
Event Slogan: "Africa welcomes, Dakar celebrates"
The official slogan of this edition of the Youth Olympic Games is: "Africa welcomes, Dakar celebrates." This slogan highlights the symbolic significance of Senegal as the first African country to host an Olympic event, showcasing the warmth and hospitality of the African continent and the festive spirit of the city of Dakar. The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games Organizing Committee emphasizes that this is not only Senegal's event but also a celebration for the entire African continent. This edition of the Youth Olympic Games will be a youthful celebration blending culture, sports, inclusion, and unity.
Event Mascot
The mascot, "Ayo," is depicted as a little lion wearing a hat, symbolizing youth, vitality, and the African spirit. Its attire is inspired by traditional African clothing, featuring a traditional Senegalese Tinga hat, garments in African colors, and shoe designs that reflect local craftsmanship. "Ayo" means "joy" in the Yoruba language, reflecting Africa's multiculturalism and echoing the event slogan "Africa welcomes, Dakar celebrates."
Games venue map
Medal Design
Schedule
Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games Competition Schedule
This edition of the Youth Olympic Games features a total of 25 official sports, including: athletics, swimming, archery, badminton, baseball and softball (Baseball5), ( basketball)basketball 3x3 , boxing, breaking, cycling (road cycling), equestrian sports, fencing, football (futsal), gymnastics (artistic gymnastics), skateboarding (beach skateboarding), judo, rowing (coastal rowing), rugby (rugby sevens), sailing, skateboarding (street skateboarding), table tennis, taekwondo, triathlon, wrestling (beach wrestling), and wushu. Additionally, there are 10 participation sports: canoeing, golf, hockey, karate, modern pentathlon, shooting, sport climbing, surfing, tennis, and weightlifting.
The wushu competition will be held from November 1-3, 2026, at the Dakar Expo Center (DEX). A total of 48 athletes from around the world will compete in four events: men's changquan combined (changquan and gunshu), women's changquan combined (changquan and gunshu), men's taijiquan combined (taijiquan and taijishan), and women's taijiquan combined (taijiquan and taijishan), showcasing the skills and spirit of young wushu athletes.
Wushu Competition Schedule
Live & Highlights
Official Olympic Channel coverage of Wushu at Dakar 2026
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Watch on Olympics.com
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Sessions
Competition
The following information is excerpted from the Wushu (Taolu) Sport Guide for the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026 and is provided for reference only. Please refer to the latest version of the official Sport Guide for accurate information.
Competition Format
Each event features 12 athletes. In the Changquan Combined Event, each athlete performs a Changquan routine and a Gunshu routine, while in the Taijiquan Combined Event, each athlete performs a Taijiquan routine and a Taijishan routine. The final ranking is determined by the combined results of the two routines.
The competition is conducted in two phases: a Preliminary Round and a Final Round. The starting order for the Preliminary Round is determined by a draw. At the conclusion of the Preliminary Round, the top eight athletes qualify for the Final Round. In the Final Round, athletes compete in the reverse order of the Preliminary Round rankings. In the event of a tie, the starting order is determined by a draw.
Competition Methods
The IWUF 3rd Set of International Wushu Competition Routines shall be adopted for this competition.
For the Wushu Taolu competition, the "Events without Degree of Difficulty Scoring Methods and Standards" will apply.
Competition Rules and Regulations
Unless otherwise stated in these Regulations, the competition will be conducted in accordance with the "IWUF Wushu Taolu Competition Rules and Judging Methods (2024)", hereinafter referred to as the "Rules".
The Rules and Judging Methods shall be interpreted solely at the discretion of the IWUF. In the event of any disagreement regarding the interpretation of the Rules, the English version shall prevail.
For the 3rd set of the International Wushu Competition Routines:
Changquan and Gunshu: No less than 1 minute 10 seconds in total duration.
Taijiquan and Taijishan: From 3 to 4 minutes in total duration.
News
2026-11-01The 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games Opens: Wushu Athletes from 12 Countries and Regions Shine at the Opening Ceremony
"Wushu Debuts at YOG，Glory Heads for Dakar" — Send-off Ceremony for Wushu's Debut at Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games Held in Beijing
From the official IOC account: From the Asian Games to Dakar 2026, We're Loving Wushu!
IWUF Online Training Camp for Wushu Taolu Athletes for the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games Successfully Concludes
Road to Dakar 2026 | Athlete365 Dakar 2026 E-learning Courses for Athletes and Their Entourage Members
Dakar 2026 Athlete Role Models Unveiled: Xiaoxiao Lai Selected as Wushu Representative
Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games Competition Schedule Announced: Wushu to Make Youth Olympic Debut from November 1-3 at the Dakar Expo Center, DEX
IWUF announces Dakar 2026 YOG Wushu Ambassadors
Athletes
ROBBE ASSELMAN
NOC: Belgium
Date of Birth: 9 SEP 2010
Event: Men’s Changquan Combined (Changquan & Gunshu)
Belgian champion Robbe Asselman began training is wushu in 2016. He says, “I feel motivated for practicing wushu simply because I love the sport, the people I train with, and everything that’s involved in and with wushu.” In 2026 at the European Wushu Championship in Lyon he placed 7th in changquan, and 10th in gunshu. He competed in both the 9th and 10th World Junior Wushu Championships. Loan Drouard is his wushu hero, and Robbe also greatly credits his coach with guiding him on his wushu journey thus far.
Regarding competing in the Dakar 2026 YOG, he says, “It honestly just feels crazy to be able to even be there. Never in my wildest dreams could I have dreamed of this. It is absolutely beautiful that I can represent my country at the YOG, it’s an opportunity of a lifetime which I had to grab. I really want to make my country and the entirety of wushu proud by standing there, doing my absolute best, and enjoying the journey.”
Renato SILVA
NOC: Chile
Date of Birth: 30 APR. 2009
Event: Men’s Changquan Combined (Changquan & Gunshu)
Chilean champion Renato Alfredo Silva Guerrero began practicing wushu in 2018. That year he placed 4th in Junior gunshu at the 12th Pan American Wushu Championships. The following year he placed 1st in Junior gunshu at the 8th South American Wushu Championships. In 2025 he placed 2nd in gunshu at the 9th South American Wushu Championship. Renato likes to combine wushu with physical well-being to make it his lifestyle, and he practices wushu every day. His wushu heroes are Master Lou Li and Master Xu Xiang Dong, both of whom practice Eagle style, and the athlete Edgar Marvelo, Indonesia’s Wushu World Champion. He says his best wushu experience has been his participation in the World Junior Wushu Championships held in China
in March of this year, and also training at Tianjin University.
About Dakar 2026 YOG, he says, “For me, it’s a feeling of gratification, a reward for all these years of training, discipline, perseverance, and sacrifices. Many times I’ve had to face obstacles and injuries that have made the process more difficult. But now I realize they were all part of the journey to reach Dakar and be able to live this incredible experience to the fullest, enjoying every performance of my routines, meeting new athletes, and forging friendships in the world of sports. It’s the most important achievement and one that will define my career as a wushu athlete.”
LIN YILEI
NOC: China
Date of Birth: 7 MAY 2011
Event: Men’s Changquan Combined (Changquan & Gunshu)
Chinese wushu champion Yilei Lin won the gold medal in 2025 at his international debut at the 12th Asian Junior Wushu Championships. He also took 1st place in 2026 at the 10th World Junior Wushu Championships. He began his wushu career at the Rui An Amateur Sports School in Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province in 2017, and his motivation for practicing wushu he says is to build his character and strengthen his resilience, self-discipline, and humility. He credits his coach for teaching him far more than just wushu techniques, but for also guiding him in martial ethics, supporting him mentally, and broadening his perspective, and giving him a clear
sense of direction both in sport and in life. His wushu hero is Gao Xiaobin. Looking forward to competing in Dakar, Yilei says, “This is a historic moment. I hope to give my all on the field while showing respect for my opponents off the field. Wushu can serve as a bridge connecting young people from different countries and allowing the world to see the wisdom of the East.” Yilei also feels some pressure from competing in Dakar. “I know I carry the expectations of many people. I want to give my best in competition while also using the Youth Olympic Games as a platform to share the spirit of harmony embodied in wushu with young people around the world.”
Chehem ABDALLAH YASSO
Country: Djibouti
Date of Birth: 2 MAR 2009
Event: Men’s Changquan Combined (Changquan & Gunshu)
Djibouti’s champion Chehem Abdallah Yasso began practicing wushu in 2022 in Djibouti City and competes in changquan and gunshu under the guidance of his coach, Mlle Houda Moustapha Omar. In Djibouti Chehem won first place at the 2022 National Championship, second place at the 2023 Best Athletes Competition, first place at the 2024 Interclub Competition, and first place again at the 2025 National Championship. His international debut was at the African Wushu Championships in Egypt. He is inspired by his wushu heroes Bruce Lee, Jet Li, and Ip Man. Chelem says “I am very proud to be part of this historic moment and hope that it will inspire more young people, especially in Djibouti, to discover and practice wushu. It is a great honour and a source of immense pride to represent my country at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. I hope this event will encourage many more young people to join wushu.”
As he prepares for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, Chehem is determined to deliver his best performance and compete for a medal while proudly representing Djibouti. His long-term ambition is to become both an African champion. He also hopes that wushu's inclusion in the Youth Olympic Games will inspire more young people in Djibouti to discover the sport and contribute to its development and international recognition.For Chehem, competing at Dakar 2026 is not only a personal milestone but also a source of immense pride and an opportunity to represent his country on an international stage.
NATNAEL HAGOS
NOC: Ethiopia
Date of Birth: 26 NOV 2008
Event: Men’s Changquan Combined (Changquan & Gunshu)
Natnael Hagos began training wushu at Addis Ababa in 2022. He was inspired to begin practicing by watching kungfu movies, and his motivation was also to stay healthy and learn discipline. At his international debut at the 7th African Youth and Junior Wushu Kungu Fu Championship in 2026 he won a silver and a bronze medal. His wushu hero is Jet Li.
Natnael says, “Competing in wushu at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games is a unique mix of immense pride, intense pressure, and pure joy. It’s not just another tournament; it’s a historic moment for the sport and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the young athletes involved. I'm not just competing for a medal—I'm competing to show the world the beauty and power of wushu on its biggest stage yet. It is a historic moment—for wushu, for Dakar, and for Africa. Wushu is finally on the official Olympic sporting programme, and I feel proud and honored to be part of it. We are not just competing; we are making history and opening the door for future generations.”
Asael RONDONUWU
NOC: Indonesia
Date of Birth: 29 JAN 2010
Event: Men’s Changquan Combined (Changquan & Gunshu)
Indonesian champion Asael Rondonuwu began learning wushu at age 7 in Jakarta. In 2026 he won 2 gold medals at the HYX Oceana International Invitational Wushu Kungfu Championships, in changquan and gunshu. At the 10th World Junior Wushu Championships 2026 he placed 5th in gunshu and 6th in changquan. Asael’s wushu hero is Wu Zhaohua.
Asael says he is happy and excited to compete in the Dakar 2026 YOG, and proud to represent his country of Indonesia. He says, “I've prepared with intensive training improving every aspect of my routine. I also want to see the culture of Dakar, and I am looking forward to the experience.”
Arash PAHALI
Country: Iran
Date of Birth: 12 OCT 2009
Event: Men’s Changquan Combined (Changquan & Gunshu)
Iran’s champion Arash Pahali began practicing wushu in 2013 in Tonekabon, Mazandaran. Specializing in changquan and gunshu, he has developed a passion for wushu, driven by his ambition to become a champion on the international stage. The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games marks Arash’s international debut. He prepared for this prestigious event by attending five training camps, focusing on improving his technical skills, building strength, and preparing to compete at the highest level.
Inspired by wushu heroes Shahin Banitalebi and Zahra Kiani, he aspires to someday win a gold medal at the World Wushu Championships. He says, “I feel proud and honored to represent my country at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. I believe including wushu in the Dakar 2026 YOG will help make it more popular among young generation around the world, including in my country. It will give more people the opportunity to discover wushu, learn about its values, and become interested in practicing this sport. I hope wushu will one day become part of the Olympic Games for senior athletes, giving more athletes around the world the opportunity to compete on the biggest stage in sports.”
Yoonsang LEE
Country: Republic of Korea
Date of Birth: 28 NOV 2008
Event: Men’s Changquan Combined (Changquan & Gunshu)
Korea’s champion Yoonsang Lee began practicing wushu at the age of five at his father’s gym, having developed an early interest in the sport by watching his father and older athletes train. His father remains his greatest inspiration. At the 8th World Junior Wushu Championships in 2022, he won a bronze medal in daoshu. He went on to win gold in daoshu at the 12th Asian Junior Wushu Championships in 2025, overcoming an injury to achieve his first international gold medal. His wushu hero is fellow Korean athlete Lee Hasung, whose confidence and outstanding performances inspire him to improve.
Competing at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games represents a historic milestone for Lee, as wushu makes its debut at the Youth Olympic Games. He says, “As wushu is being included in the Youth Olympic Games for the first time, I feel very proud to be one of the first athletes to compete in the sport at this level. On the Olympic stage, I hope to make both my name and the sport of wushu better known to people around the world. This will be my final competition as a high school athlete and the biggest stage I have experienced so far. Because of that, I have trained very hard and with great determination. This is not simply another international competition for me. I am very proud of my country, and simply being able to compete on the international stage with the Korean flag means a great deal to me. Since Africa is a distant and unfamiliar place for me, I am very curious about the local culture and environment. It is not somewhere I often have the opportunity to visit, so I would like to experience Dakar and learn more about Africa while I am there.”
Mahamadou Abdoulaye Eggoh
Country: Niger
Date of Birth: 24 MAR 2011
Event: Men’s Changquan Combined (Changquan & Gunshu)
Niger’s champion Mahamadou Abdoulaye Eggoh began his wushu journey in 2022, quickly establishing himself as a rising talent. In his first provincial competition on 5 May 2022, he won a silver medal, and by 23 September 2022 he was crowned provincial champion with a gold medal. He continued to build momentum: a silver medal at a club competition on 15 March 2023, followed three weeks later by another gold. On 15 July 2023, he claimed gold at his first national competition, and on 5 February 2024 he won gold at a regional event. In 2025, he earned three gold medals at a regional competition on 24 September, and later added two more golds at a national event. On 15 May 2026 he won another regional gold, and on 25 July 2026 he was crowned national champion with a gold medal. In total, he has won 11 gold medals and 2 silver medals.
Artem BLIUSHKE
NOC: Russian Federation
Date of Birth: 3 JUL 2009
Event: Men’s Changquan Combined (Changquan & Gunshu)
Russia’s Artem Bliushke began practicing wushu in 2015, and had his international debut at the 10th World Junior Wushu Championships, where he placed 2nd in jianshu. He says winning this silver medal has been his best wushu experience so far, and he hopes to continue to compete in wushu internationally and earn more medals in future. Muratov Pavel is his wushu hero.
Artem says it is exciting and very special to compete in wushu at the Dakar 2026 YOG, and he has prepared with much hard training and discipline. He says, “This is absolutely an historic moment for wushu. I feel pride and honor being able to represent my country. I just hope to compete well, and I also want to experience Senegal.”
Francois MUGISHA
Country: Rwanda
Date of Birth: 18 AUG 2010
Event: Men’s Changquan Combined (Changquan & Gunshu)
Mugisha Francois began training in wushu in 2021 in Kayonza village. He says with the support of his parents, he is passionate about martial arts. He won 1st place in 2025 in gunshu at the National Junior Wushu Championship. In 2026 he placed 1st in changquan at the Genocide Memorial Tournanent, and also in 2026 he won 1st place in gunshu at the National Junior Wushu Championship. He had his international debut at the 10th World Junior Wushu Championships, which he says is his best wushu experience so far. He states his wushu heroes are his coach, and Jet Li.
On competing in wushu in Dakar, Mugisha says, “I feel very happy and motivated to work even harder. This is an amazing opportunity and a historic moment that will never be forgotten. I also look forward to traveling in the city of Dakar and making new friends.”
Vincent OLSSON
NOC: Sweden
Date of Birth: 29 JAN 2009
Event: Men’s Changquan Combined (Changquan & Gunshu)
Sweden’s champion Vincent Olsson began his wushu journey at approximately six years old at the Stockholm Wushu and Kung Fu Club. Inspired by his cousin, he developed a passion for the sport that has continued to shape his athletic career. Vincent made his debut at the 19th European Wushu Championships in Stockholm in 2024. In 2026, he competed at both the European Wushu Championships and the World Junior Wushu Championships. At the European Championships, he placed fourth in daoshu. At the World Junior Wushu Championships, he competed in changquan and gunshu. His wushu heroes are athletes Sun Peiyuan and Loan Drouard.
Vincent’s preparation for the Dakar 2026 YOG has included consistent training with his coaches and a 10-day training camp in Germany to refine his techniques. He says, “I am honored to be able to represent Sweden in wushu. It feels like an unbelievable accomplishment to be a part of the Olympics event, and a step forward to popularizing wushu. It is going to be the first time I am visiting Africa, so I hope to see their culture, taste their food and meet new people. I think it is going to be a novel experience and something I will look back at proudly.”
Maria Warda ALIOUA
Country: Algeria
Date of Birth: 25 AUG 2010
Event: Women’s Changquan Combined (Changquan & Gunshu)
Algeria’s Maria Alioua began studying wushu in 2019 in Algeria, and has participated in the 9th World Junior Wushu Championships and the African School Games. She has trained hard with perseverance and determination for the Dakar 2026 YOG, and she is proud to be representing her country. She loves the sport of wushu and would like to be world champion someday.
Ludmila ROSALES
Country: Argentina
Date of Birth: 7 OCT 2009
Event: Women’s Changquan Combined (Changquan & Gunshu)
Argentine champion Ludmila Rosales won 3 gold medals at the 2025 National Argentine Wushu Championships in changquan, daoshu and gunshu. That year she also won 3 medals at the 9th South American Wushu Championships – 1st in gunshu, 2nd in daoshu, and 3rd in changquan. She participated in the 10th World Junior Wushu Championships in 2026. Ludmila began practicing wushu at the age of 3, and her first international competition was the Pan American Championships when she was 8 years old. She says her wushu heroes are her coaches, teammates, and international wushu athletes who inspire her with their dedication and passion for the sport. She notes that competing at the 10th World Junior Wushu Championships in China was an unforgettable experience and a dream come true.
On competing in Dakar, she says, “It makes me feel extremely proud and emotional. Representing Argentina is a huge responsibility, but also a dream. I want to give my best and make my country proud. I believe wushu has a great future in the Olympic movement. I hope this opportunity in Dakar helps it continue growing and that more young athletes around the world become interested in the sport.”
Sondos SONBOL
Country: Egypt
Date of Birth: 15 MAY 2011
Event: Women’s Changquan Combined (Changquan & Gunshu)
Egyptian champion Sondos Sonbol joined the Egyptian National Taolu Team in 2022. She was inspired to train wushu by her older brother, who is also her wushu idol. She won 1st place in changquan, jianshu and qiuangshu at the 6th Arab Junior Wushu Championships in 2024. She placed 1st in changquan and 2nd in jianshu at the 9th African Wushu Championships in 2025. She won 4th place at the 8th World Junior Wushu Championships, and competed in changquan and gunshu at the 10th WJWC.
She says, “Representing Egypt is the greatest honor of my career. Carrying the Egyptian flag at the Youth Olympic Games in Africa is deeply meaningful. I want to show the world the strength, talent, and passion of Egyptian and African athletes, and I hope to make my country proud.”
Lisa LO
Country: France
Date of Birth: 4 SEP 2009
Event: Women’s Changquan Combined (Changquan & Gunshu)
France’s champion athlete Lisa Lo began practicing wushu at age 6. She has participated in the 2022 and 2026 World Junior Wushu Championships. At the European Championships in 2024 she won a gold medal in daoshu, a silver medal in gunshu in 2026, and also a bronze in daoshu in 2026. At the French National Championships she earned multiple gold medals in gunshu and daoshu in 2025 and 2026, as well as a gold medal in changquan in 2026.
She says, “As a young athlete, wushu has always been a part of me. I have been practicing this sport ever since the age of 6 and never let it go. It truly became a passion and even a guidance in my everyday life.”
Tracy ASSENGONE
Country: Gabon
Date of Birth: 27 NOV 2009
Event: Women’s Changquan Combined (Changquan & Gunshu)
Gabon’s wushu champion Tracy Assengone began her wushu journey in 2017, inspired by Chinese martial arts films and the journeys of wushu masters. Her preferred discipline is changquan, and she made her international debut in July 2023. She earned third place in changquan at the Algerian School Games in July 2025 and again at the 15th Beijing International Championship in July 2026.
Tracy sees the opportunity to compete at the Youth Olympic Games as a historic milestone for wushu and considers representing Gabon on the international stage both an honour and a source of pride. She hopes that wushu’s inclusion in the Games will inspire more young people around the world to discover and practice the sport. Her wushu hero Luc Bendza motivated her dream of becoming an international champion. Tracy aims to continue developing her skills and achieving greater success. Beyond competition, she is also looking forward to discovering Dakar and experiencing the Youth Olympic Games atmosphere.
Gvantsa KARCHAVA
Country: Georgia
Date of Birth: 24 MAR 2009
Event: Women’s Changquan Combined (Changquan & Gunshu)
Georgian national champion Gvantsa Karchava won 1st place in changquan at the 2026 Baltic Open Wushu Championships, and 4th place in both changquan and gunshu at the 20th European Wushu Kungfu Championships. She also took 1st place in changquan and gunshu at the Batumi Open International Wushu Tournament. Her wushu idol and inspiration is Jackie Chan. She says her favorite wushu experience was at the 10th World Kungfu Championships where she won a medal in gunshu.
To prepare for Dakar, she says, “I've been training so hard with my trainer. Many painful and tiring days, but my teacher encouraged me to keep going and be better, and little by little every day, I will reach the peak.” Her future wushu goals include, besides hoping to win at the Youth Olympic Games, “making wushu more popular in Georgia, being the best version of myself, and making my country proud. I'm so proud that I can see my country's flag there, and it is a great honor.”
Lanchenbi Chanu RAJKUMARI
Country: India
Date of Birth: 15 APR 2011
Event: Women’s Changquan Combined (Changquan & Gunshu)
Lanchenbi Chanu Rajkumari began her wushu journey in 2020 in Manipur. Motivated by watching Jet Li movies, she developed a passion for the sport, with her father serving as her inspiration. She says that Jet Li and Yuan Wen Qiang are her wushu heroes. Her international debut came at the 8th World Junior Wushu Championships in 2022. At the 10th World Junior Wushu Championships in 2026, she won third place in changquan.
She says, “I’m very honored and excited to be at the Dakar 2026 YOG. I’ve trained physically and mentally and feel I am at my best for this event. I’m proud to represent India, and I look forward to making friends at this competition and seeing the Olympic experience.”
Samantha Regina ROJAS SERRANO
Country: Mexico
Date of Birth: 4 FEB 2009
Event: Women’s Changquan Combined (Changquan & Gunshu)
Mexico’s champion Samantha Rojas began her wushu journey in 2016, in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico, driven by her love for discipline and the challenge of improving every day. Inspired by older teammates who represented Mexico in international competitions, Samantha developed the ambition to follow in their footsteps and compete on the international stage. Samantha has represented Mexico in several major international competitions, earning third place in qiangshu at the 13th Pan American Wushu Championship in 2022. She also placed ninth in qiangshu at the 8th World Junior Wushu Championships in 2022, fifth at the 14th Pan American Wushu Championship in 2024, and 13th in changquan at the 10th World Junior Wushu Championship in 2026. Her wushu heroes are Edgar Marvelo, Seraf Naro and Dante Gamboa.
She trains four to six hours a day, six days a week, in preparation for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG). She describes competing at the YOG as a dream she has worked toward since beginning her wushu journey. Samantha says, “Representing Mexico is an honor for me. Wushu is an amazing sport. It just needs more exposure, and YOG will give it a huge platform. I believe Dakar is the first step. If we show a great competition, wushu can become part of the Olympic Games in the future, and I'd love to be there too.”
Rashmi TAMANG
Country: Nepal
Date of Birth: 15 FEB 2011
Event: Women’s Changquan Combined (Changquan & Gunshu)
Nepal’s wushu champion Rashmi Tamang made her international debut at the 10th World Junior Wushu Championships in 2026. Her wushu hero is Jet Li, and her future goal is to become a gold medalist in wushu.
She feels excited to be competing in Dakar 2026 YOG, and she says, “It’s like dream come true to me competing in this event. It will be a great honor and proud moment to represent my country at the Dakar Youth Olympic Games and make my nation proud. I believe wushu has a bright Olympic future and can inspire a new generation of athletes around the world. I’d love to explore Dakar’s culture, meet new people, and experience its beautiful places and traditions.”
Amber ZHOU
Country: New Zealand
Date of Birth: 26 AUG 2009
Event: Women’s Changquan Combined (Changquan & Gunshu)
New Zealand champion Amber Zhou began her wushu journey in 2017 at NZ Wushu Academy. She has represented New Zealand at several international competitions, including three editions of the World Junior Wushu Championships. Her international debut came at the 2022 World Junior Wushu Championships, where she competed in Group B qiangshu and placed eighth. She continued her international journey at the 2024 World Junior Wushu Championships, finishing 18th in Group A jianshu, before placing 14th in Group A changquan at the 2026 World Junior Wushu Championships. In May 2026, Amber achieved a double silver-medal performance at the Oceania International Invitational Wushu Kung Fu Championships, placing second in both Group A changquan and Group A gunshu. Inspired by the Shandong Wushu Team of China and martial arts icon Bruce Lee, she aspires to become a wushu coach in the future.
Amber considers competing in the Dakar YOG a tremendous honour. She says, “I’m very proud to represent Oceania for the first time and it is a huge testament to my family’s support. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity and even though there is definitely pressure, I am looking forward to doing my personal best. I believe wushu has the potential to be a summer Olympic sport and is rapidly becoming more and more popular and well known. In Dakar I want to try traditional Senegalese cuisine and practice speaking French with the locals.”
Lara MARQUES
Country: Portugal
Date of Birth: 17 SEP 2010
Event: Women’s Changquan Combined (Changquan & Gunshu)
Portuguese champion Lara Marques began practicing wushu in 2015. Her international debut was at the 8th World Junior Wushu Championships in 2022 in Indonesia, which she says was her best wushu experience to date. Her wushu hero is Loan Drouard. She is a gold medal national champion, winning 1st place in both changquan and jianshu at the 2025 Portuguese National Championships. In 2026, at the 20th European Wushu Championship, she won 6th place in gunshu and 8th place in changquan.
Lara has been training consistently, working on her routines and improving her confidence in her movements. She says, “It feels incredible to compete in wushu for the first time that it is included in the YOG. I am very excited and grateful to have the opportunity representing Portugal in such a big competition. I do think it will be a great opportunity to make wushu a more well-known sport around the world and also in my country.”
Valeria Frannerys DUDAMEL ALVARADO
Country: Venezuela
Date of Birth: 23 JUL 2011
Event: Women’s Changquan Combined (Changquan & Gunshu)
Venezuela’s champion Valeria Dudamel began her wushu training in November 2018. Specializing in changquan and gunshu she has developed her skills under the guidance of her father and coach, Hernando Dudamel, also a former taolu athlete. Her international debut was at the 13th Panamerican Wushu Championships in Brazil in 2022. At the 9th South American Wushu Championships in June 2025, she won three gold medals in daoshu Group A, gunshu Group A, and changquan Group A. She also earned a silver medal in gunshu Group A and a bronze medal in daoshu Group A at the 15th Panamerican Wushu Championships in October 2026. At the 17th World Wushu Championships in October 2025, she placed among the world’s top 10 in optional gunshu, finishing 10th. Valeria says, “Competing in the youth Olympics is a lifelong dream for which I have been preparing for the past few years, and having this opportunity is the best experience of my life. This year I have prepared quite a lot in the physical, technical and tactical aspects, being focused on the competition of the Olympic Games; I have paused in-person classes at school since February to focus on my daily workouts and I feel very motivated to compete. For me, it is an honor to represent my country and my continent. Being part of the athletes who will compete in the Youth Olympic Games is something incredible.”
Hao Ran POON
Country/Region: Hong Kong, China
Date of Birth: 1 MAR 2011
Events: Men’s Taijiquan Combined (Taijiquan & Taijishan)
Hao Ran Poon began his wushu training when he was six years old. In 2025 he won double gold medals in taijiquan and taijijian at the 12th Asian Junior Wushu Championships. At the 10th World Junior Wushu Championships in 2026 he won 2nd place in Youth Taijishan. Also in 2026 he won two gold medals and a silver in his categories at the 5th World Taijiquan Championships. He says his wushu hero is taijiquan athlete Chen Zhouli from Fujian China, but that his coach has shaped his attitude towards wushu.
He says regarding Dakar 2026 YOG, “It feels exhilarating and deeply historic. Being one of athletes to compete in an official Olympic wushu event on African soil is a dream come true. Every day, I commit to practicing my full routine and strength training, constantly honing my technique and adjusting my mindset. It brings immense pride and responsibility. Following our senior athletes' recent historic Olympic and Asian Games successes, we want to show the world the unique grit, resilience, and "Lion Rock spirit" of Hong Kong, China's youth.”
Lorenzo ARMANI
NOC: Italy
Date of Birth: 20 MAY 2011
Event: Men’s Taijiquan Combined (Taijiquan & Taijishan)
Italy’s wushu champion Lorenzo Armani was born in Pordenone, Italy. He began practicing wushu in 2016 , inspired by his mother, who has long been a taiji instructor at the school. Since then, wushu has become an important part of his life, helping him develop physical strength, inner balance, discipline, and mental resilience. He made his international debut at the 10th World Junior Wushu Championships in Tianjin, China, in March 2026. His wushu heroes are Johnny Sun (Chinese Taipei), and Anthony Yeung (Hong Kong, China), and says his coach has guided him since childhood, instilling the core discipline of wushu.
Lorenzo says, “I am thrilled to be going to the Dakar 2026 YOG, and I have put in a lot of hard work to give my best performance in the competition. To prepare for this event, I have been training every day and traveled to China three times this year to get the best possible training. I am very proud to wear the Italian jersey at this international event, and I will give my absolute best to represent my country. In Dakar, I would love to visit the city and see the African Renaissance Monument.”
Shiki KAWAMURA
Country/Region: Japan
Date of Birth: 9 JUN 2009
Events: Men’s Taijiquan Combined (Taijiquan & Taijishan)
Japan’s champion Shiki Kawamura started practicing wushu when he was seven years old in Iwate prefecture. In his international debut in 2022 at the 8th World Junior Wushu Championships he won 1st place in taijiquan, and 2nd place in taijijian. In 2023 at the 11th Asian Junior Wushu Championships he won 2 gold medals in 42 forms taijiquan and taijijian, and second place in taijiquan. In 2026 at the 10th World Junior Wushu Championships he won second place in taijiquan. Shiki’s wushu hero is Shihi Saito, and he says his best wushu experience has been competing internationally against top world athletes as a representative of Japan.
He says, “Many young people may discover wushu for the first time through the Youth Olympic Games. I hope they will become interested in the beauty, difficulty, and excitement of wushu and want to try it themselves.”
Roberts RITENBERGS
NOC: Latvia
Date of Birth: 29 MAR 2009
Event: Men’s Taijiquan Combined (Taijiquan & Taijishan)
Latvian champion Roberts Ritenbergs’ recalls that his parents took him to his first wushu training when he was 4. He joined and still trains in the same club in Riga, Latvia. His first competition was at “Moscow Wushu Stars” when he was 10 or 11 years old. He says, “My coaches not only help me to develop strength in my body, but in growth of mindset as well. They’ve known me since I was 4, and they are the people who I can fully trust.” In 2026 he won 2nd place at the European Wushu Championships youth category in taijishan, and 3rd place in youth taijiquan. His best experience so far he says was at the 2026 World Junior Wushu Championships, where he competed in taijiquan and taijishan.
To prepare for Dakar, Roberts says, “I prioritized my trainings and gave it my all. I trained in China, to strengthen my taijiquan basics and took part in a seminar in Italy. It is a great honor for me. I am very happy that I will have a chance to represent Latvia at YOG. I absolutely feel that this is very special moment for wushu. And all I hope is that wushu will continue its development as an Olympic sport and wushu athletes will have a chance to compete in Olympic
Games every four years.”
Oussama ELMAGHNAOUI
Country: Morocco
Date of Birth: 29 SEP 2010
Event: Men’s Taijiquan Combined (Taijiquan & Taijishan)
Moroccan champion Oussama Elmaghnaoui began training in wushu in 2014. In 2026 he won 2nd place in taijiquan, taijijian and taijishan at the 7th African Junior Wushu Kungfu
Championship in Egypt. He also competed in taijiquan, taijijian and taijishan at the 10th World Junior Wushu Championships. Oussama says his wushu hero is Wu Yanan, and that his coach guides, supports and motivates him to keep improving. He says, “
Competing in the Olympic Games has been a dream of mine since I was a child. As a wushu athlete, I am very proud and honored to represent my country, Morocco, and my federation in the best possible way. The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games are a great step forward for wushu. They will help make the sport more widely known and encourage more young people to practice wushu, especially in Morocco. I am very excited to experience Dakar 2026, and share this special experience with other young athletes from around the world.”
LIM Kai Shen
Country/Region: Malaysia
Date of Birth: 28 JAN 2009
Events: Men’s Taijiquan Combined (Taijiquan & Taijishan)
Lim Kai Shen began training wushu in 2017. At the 10th World Junior Wushu Championships he won 6th place in both taijiquan and taijijian, and 10th place in taijishan. At the 5th World Taijiquan Championships he won 2nd place in taijijian, 4th place in taijiquan, and 7th place in taijishan. He says his best experience in wushu thus far has been winning the silver medal at these World Taijiquan Championships. Lim says his wushu hero is Chung Hei Yeung.
For the Dakar YOG, he trains daily and believes that every training moment counts towards his final performance. He says he is proud to represent his country of Malaysia. Not least, he says he wants to enjoy the food of Dakar and experience the culture in all its fullness.
Mahip AMAR
Country: Senegal
Date of Birth: 28 MAY 2010
Event: Men’s Taijiquan Combined (Taijiquan & Taijishan)
Senegal’s champion Mahip Amar began practicing wushu in Bayakh in 2020, driven by his passion for the sport. His interest in wushu was inspired by a television program he watched on an African channel, which sparked his desire to pursue wushu. Specializing in taijiquan, Mahip has participated in the African Championships. Under the guidance of his coach, Sakho Ousmane, he continues to develop his skills and refine his technique. He looks up to Wu Yanan as his wushu hero.
As he prepares to represent Senegal at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, Mahip is excited about the opportunity to compete on a major international stage. He says, “I am proud to be part of this historic milestone for wushu, and I hope to contribute to the sport's growing recognition among young people. My ultimate ambition is to become an Olympic champion, and represent my country of Senegal.”
Leandro Gia-Hy LUONG
NOC: Switzerland
Date of Birth: 12 JAN 2009
Event: Men’s Taijiquan Combined (Taijiquan & Taijishan)
Leandro Gia-Hy Luong started practicing changquan at the Wushu Center in Bern in 2015, and In 2022 he started practicing taiji. His first international competition was at the 18th European Wushu Championships in Greece. In 2024 he won a gold medal at the 19th European Wushu Championships in qiangshu. Then, deciding to focus on taiji, he won 2 silver medals in taijiquan and taijijian at the 20th European Wushu Championships in 2026. At the 10th World Junior Wushu Championships he competed in taijiquan, taijijian, and taijishan, which he says was his favorite wushu experience so far. Jet Li is his wushu hero, and Leandro notes that his coaches have supported him in every way since he was little, and always encouraged and motivated him.
Leandro says, “It is a great honor for me to represent Switzerland as an athlete at the first Olympic event for wushu, which fills me with pride. It is a tremendous honor for me to represent my country, and I am honored to compete under the Swiss flag. The Olympic stage is a highly prestigious and very significant platform in the world of sports. The fact that wushu is now on this stage is a major step forward for the sport, as this event brings it more attention.”
Bekir TASDEMIR
Country:Türkiye
Date of Birth: 16 APR 2011
Event: Men’s Taijiquan Combined (Taijiquan & Taijishan)
Turkey’s champion Bekir Alperen Tasdemir began his wushu journey in 2017, motivated by the support of his family and coach. His international debut was at the 5th World Taijiquan Championships in 2026. Bekir says, “I consider representing Türkiye on the international stage an great honor and opportunity. I believe that wushu’s inclusion in these Youth Olympic Games will definitely help increase the sport’s popularity and inspire more young people in my country and around the world.”
Nikita KUCHERUK
Country: Ukraine
Date of Birth: 7 OCT 2009
Event: Men’s Taijiquan Combined (Taijiquan & Taijishan)
Ukraine’s champion Nikita Kucheruk began practicing wushu in 2018 and made his international debut at the 2022 European Wushu Championship. In 2026, Nikita won third place in taijijian at the 20th European Wushu Championship. He also placed eighth in taijishan at the 5th World Taiji Championship. Inspired by athletes Zang Zishuo, Wu Zhaohua, and Lu Xiangchen, Nikita is motivated by the desire to improve himself.One of his most memorable wushu experiences was attending a training camp in China.
Nikita says, “I’m very proud to represent Ukraine in wushu at the Dakar YOG, and to show the world what kind of athletes we have. This is a great opportunity, and life experience, and I think this event is a meaningful step to promote wushu in the Olympics.”
Marshall BRAYTON
Country: USA
Date of Birth: 20 FEB 2009
Events: Men’s Taijiquan Combined (Taijiquan & Taijishan)
USA champion Marshall Brayton began his wushu journey at the age of six in 2015. He began competing internationally in 2018 after joining the US National Kungfu Team, making his world championship debut in 2019 at the age of ten in Emeishan, China. His earlier achievements include silver and bronze medals at the 4th World Taijiquan Championships in 2024, and four gold medals at the 4th Pan American Kungfu Championship in 2023. At the 5th World Taijiquan Championships in 2026, he won gold in 3rd Set taijiquan, and bronze in 3rd Set taijijian. He also earned bronze in 3rd Set taijijian at the 10th World Junior Wushu Championships in 2026. Brayton’s wushu heroes are Tong Xin and Gao Haonan of China’s Fuzhou team, and he says his best wushu experience was the summer of 2026, when he trained in Fuzhou, China, with the Fuzhou team.
On competing at the Dakar 2026 YOG he says, “It feels like a dream come true. When I was seven and proud of learning a cartwheel, I never imagined I would one day compete at the Olympic Games. Being part of the first wushu competition at the Youth Olympic Games makes it even more special. I am excited, grateful, and ready to do my best. I feel very lucky to be the right age at the right time to be part of it. When I wear the USA uniform, I represent more than myself, and I take that responsibility seriously.”
Khac le Hoang NGUYEN
Country: Vietnam
Date of Birth: 17 NOV 2008
Event: Men’s Taijiquan Combined (Taijiquan & Taijishan)
Vietnam’s champion Khac Le Hoang Nguyen began practicing wushu in 2018. He made his international debut at the 2024 World Junior Wushu Championships. Nguyen won gold medals in Taijiquan at the 2025 Asian Junior Wushu Championships, the 2026 World Junior Wushu Championships, and the 2026 World Taijiquan Championships. He says his most memorable wushu experience was winning gold at the 2025 Asian Junior Wushu Championships. His wushu hero is Wu Ya Nan, a taijiquan athlete from China.
As he prepares for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, he says, “It is a great honor to represent Vietnam in the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. I will give my best effort and do my country proud. I believe this is an historic milestone for wushu, and it gives young athletes a valuable opportunity to showcase our sport on the Olympic stage.”
Nelcy Houefa Kelia NOUDOFININ
Country: Benin
Date of Birth: 28 AUG 2010
Event: Women’s Taijiquan Combined (Taijiquan & Taijishan)
Benin’s Nelcy Houefa Kelia Noudofinin has been a national taiji champion since 2020. She has won 1st place in her national wushu championships in taijiquan, taijijian and taijishan from 2020-2025. Recently she took third place in the 2026 7th African Wushu Juniors Youth Championship. Inspired by her uncle, she says she would like to become a great champion which motivates her. Michelle Yeoh is her wushu hero.
She is excited to represent Benin, and will work hard to win a gold medal for her country. She believes this Dakar YOG is an historic moment.
CHUA Lauren Emily
Country: Brunei Darussalam
Date of Birth: 28 JUN 2011
Event: Women’s Taijiquan Combined (Taijiquan & Taijishan)
Brunei Darussalem’s champion athlete Lauren Chua made her international debut at the 12th Asian Junior Wushu Championships in 2025. Her achievements include a first prize in 42 Taijijian at the 10th World Kung fu Championships in October 2025, a bronze medal at the 14th ASEAN School Games in November 2025, and a silver medal in taijiquan at the inaugural Oceania Wushu Kung Fu Championships in May 2026. She also competed at the 10th World Junior Wushu Championships in March 2026, gaining valuable experience on the international stage. Her wushu heroes are Jet Li and Sunny Lai.
She says, “Wushu’s taught me discipline, perseverance, and the importance of improving myself. I enjoy looking back at my accomplishments as they show me how far I’ve come. I feel honoured and excited to have this opportunity and to represent my country on an international stage, and I look forward to learning from other athletes and giving my best performance. I hope the inclusion of wushu at the YOG will be a crucial step towards giving the sport more opportunities on the international stage. I would like to experience Senegalese culture and learn more about the country’s traditions and way of life. I’d also like to meet athletes from different countries, make new friends, and create many memories.”
Kalina SLAVCHEVA
Country: Bulgaria
Date of Birth: 06 NOV 2009
Event: Women’s Taijiquan Combined (Taijiquan & Taijishan)
Bulgaria’s champion athlete Kalina Slavcheva began her wushu journey in 2016 with a children’s wushu class in Sofia, inspired by following her mother’s involvement in qigong. Under the guidance of coach Lilyana Chobanova, Kalina has developed a strong passion for wushu, with taijiquan as her preferred discipline. At the 5th World Taijiquan Championship in April 2026, she placed 5th fifth in both the Women’s New Standardized Routines – Yang Style Taijiquan, and the Women’s Sun Style Taijiquan. Her international debut was at the 10th World Junior Wushu Championships. Her wushu hero is Orina Ivanova, who inspires and motivates her to keep improving in wushu. Among her future wushu goals are to specialize in Yang and Chen style taijiquan and to teach children.
On competing at the Dakar YOG in wushu. Kalina says “It feels amazing and very special. It is a dream come true to have the opportunity to compete at such a high level and represent my country. I feel very proud and honored to represent Bulgaria. I will do my best to show the beauty of wushu and make my country proud. I think it is a historic moment for wushu and a big step towards making our sport more recognized around the world.”
Miranda WEI
Country: Canada
Date of Birth: 29 OCT 2009
Event: Women’s Taijiquan Combined (Taijiquan & Taijishan)
Canada’s taiji champion Miranda Wei began studying wushu when she was 4 years old. She debuted internationally in 2024 at the 4th World Taijiquan Championships in Singapore, where she placed 5th in both taijiquan and taijishan. She placed 1st in 3rd set taijiquan in 2026 at the 5th WTC two years later. She says she is heavily inspired by friends who practice wushu alongside her, whether they are peers who train with her every day in Calgary or her friends across the country and around the world. Her biggest hero in wushu is Tong Xin, and she says, “Every time I watch her performances online I get chills.”
Miranda says she has prepared extensively for this event, including taking several months away from school to transition into full-time training ahead of the Games. She feels it is a huge honor to represent Canada in Dakar. Miranda says about competing in Dakar, “This has been a longtime dream of mine, and I am really excited to finally have the opportunity to compete on this stage. I really want to experience Senegal beyond the competition itself, especially the food, culture, and local sights. I am also looking forward to meeting athletes from other countries and other sports.”
Mia Aurelja Xianglin ZHUO
Country: Germany
Date of Birth: 16 DEC 2010
Event: Women’s Taijiquan Combined (Taijiquan & Taijishan)
German taiji champion Mia Zhou began practicing wushu in Germany in 2016 with her father, who is now her coach, and she credits him with having a huge influence on her wushu inspiration and career. She notes her grandmother was a taiji coach too. Besides her father, she says that Chinese top champion Tong Xin is her wushu hero. In 2019 Mia placed 1st at the 19th European Wushu Championships in both junior qiangshu and junior changquan. She debuted internationally at the 2022 8th WJWC in Indonesia. At the 10th WJWC in Tianjin she placed 10th in taijiquan.
To prepare for these Dakar Youth Olympic Games, she has been training taijiquan for the past three years, including training in Hong Kong, China with the Wushu Team Hong Kong, China in the summers of 2024 and 2025. Mia says she is proud to be part of the Team Germany for Dakar, and excited to be part of wushu‘s Olympic debut.
Angel POLO
Country: Philippines
Date of Birth: 21 DEC 2010
Event: Women’s Taijiquan Combined (Taijiquan & Taijishan)
Filipino champion Angel Polo won third place in taijiquan at the 10th World Junior Wushu Championships. She says her inspiration in wushu comes from her family, and from teammates, and that seeing them work hard every day makes her want to give her best for them and her country. Her wushu hero is Tong Xin. Angel’s wushu goal is also to be world champion.
To prepare for Dakar, Angel trains every day from Monday to Saturday, and says she is very thankful to have this opportunity to go to the Youth Olympic Games. She says, “it is such a great honor to represent my country in this big competition. I feel so proud to carry the name of the Philippines.” Besides the competition, Angel also looks forward to seeing the beautiful places in Dakar and trying the city’s different foods.
Woreye NDIAYE
Country: Senegal
Date of Birth: 5 FEB 2010
Event: Women’s Taijiquan Combined (Taijiquan & Taijishan)
Senegal’s champion Woreye Ndiaye began her wushu journey at Fu Kwen Club in Grande Médine, driven by her love for the sport. Her chosen discipline is taijiquan, and her wushu hero is Wu Yanan, whose performances have inspired her as an athlete. She also credits Master El Hadj Gueye for his guidance throughout her journey in wushu.
As she prepares to compete at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, she has done intensive training and expresses great excitement and pride at the opportunity to represent Senegal on home soil. She says, “The significance of wushu's inclusion in the Dakar 2026 YOG programme is historic, and I and hope the event will inspire more young people in Senegal and around the world to discover the sport of wushu. I dream one day of becoming an Olympic champion and continuing to represent Senegal on the international sporting stage.”
Zhe Nin NG
Country: Singapore
Date of Birth: 2 JAN 2010
Event: Women’s Taijiquan Combined (Taijiquan & Taijishan)
Singapore champion Zhe Nin Ng won 1st place in girl’s junior taijijian at the 9th World Junior Wushu Championships 2024, and 1st place in both girls’ youth taijiquan and girls youth taijijian at the 10th World Junior Wushu Championships 2026. She also took 2nd place in girls’ youth taijishan at the 2026 WJWC event, and this same year won 3rd place in the junior division of taijiquan at the 1st ASEAN-China Women’s Wushu Championships. Zhe Nin began training wushu when she was 10 years old, and says that she is motivated for the love for the sport and the challenge of constantly improving herself. She says she’s also motivated by the opportunity to compete, represent her country, and make new friends from around the world. Jackie Chan is her wushu hero. Taijishan is her favorite style.
She says, “This definitely is a historic moment and a huge milestone for wushu as it gives rise to opportunities to showcase and represent wushu on bigger and greater stages. As an athlete, I feel very fortunate to be part of this moment and be able to celebrate and experience it alongside other wushu athletes from around the world.”
CHU Yu En
Country: Chinese Taipei
Date of Birth: 24 JAN 2010
Event: Women’s Taijiquan Combined (Taijiquan & Taijishan)
Chu Yu En began her wushu journey in the first grade of elementary school in Yunlin County, initially motivated by curiosity and a desire to try something new. In July 2025, she won first place in the Women's High School Group Optional Taijiquan at the Asian Junior Wushu Championships. She continued her success at the World Junior Wushu Championships in March 2026, where she secured second place in the same event. Her preferred techniques emphasize explosive power and the expression of fajin. She considers the Asian Junior Wushu Championships her most memorable wushu experience and says that Tong Xin is her wushu hero.
Chu remarks that representing Chinese Taipei at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games is an extremely special experience. She says, “I have focused on mental preparation and I feel both honored and slightly pressured by the responsibility. I think this is an historic event and that these Games will introduce the sport to more young people around the world. Beyond competition, I’m excited to discover Dakar's different landscapes and experience its local customs and culture.”
MANAI ZEINEB
Country: TunisiaDate of Birth: 18 SEP 2009Event: Women’s Taijiquan Combined (Taijiquan & Taijishan)
Tunisia’s champion Manai Zeineb began her wushu journey in 2017, driven by her passion for martial arts, a desire for self-development, and the wish to represent Tunisia on the international stage. Specializing in taijiquan and taijishan, she has achieved remarkable success in recent years. She won a silver medal at the World Kungfu Championships in October 2025, and went on to claim gold medals at both the African Wushu Championship and the Arab Championship in 2026. She also placed 6th in taijiquan at the 2026 World Taijiquan Championship. Her wushu heroes are Jet Li, Donnie Yen, and elite Chinese taiji champions.
Looking ahead to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, Zeineb says: “It is a great honor and a dream come true to represent Tunisia in wushu at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. I feel proud, excited, and motivated to give my best and represent my country with dignity. This is a historic milestone for wushu. Its inclusion in the YOG is an important step toward greater international recognition and a significant opportunity to showcase the beauty, discipline, and values of our sport.”
Gulirano KHOLMUMINOVA
Country: Uzbekistan
Date of Birth: 2 AUG 2010
Event: Women’s Taijiquan Combined (Taijiquan & Taijishan)
Uzbekistan’s champion Gulirano Kholmuminova began studying wushu in 2023, and took first place in taijiquan and taijishan at the 2026 Uzbekistan National Championship. She competed in taijiquan and taijishan at the 10th World Junior Wushu Championships. Her wushu heroes are Shiho Saito, Tong Xin, Zeanne Law, Sun Chia Hung, and Darya Latisheva.
Gulirano prepared for this opportunity through hard and consistent training. She also had the opportunity to train in China, where she says, “I worked very hard, improved my skills, and gained valuable experience. It was a challenging but very important part of my preparation
for Dakar 2026. Being part of this historic moment for wushu is an incredible honor for me. I am very grateful for this opportunity to be part of wushu’s Olympic journey and to represent my country on such a big stage.” She also says she wants to continue competing against the best athletes from around the world, gaining experience and improving herself with every competition.
E-learning
Youth Wushu Series: Bilingual Chinese-English Teaching Materials
International Standard of Wushu Terminology (Youth Olympic Games Edition)
Athlete365 Dakar 2026 E-learning Courses for Athletes and Their Entourage Members
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has launched the pre-Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) e-learning courses on Athlete365. While the e-learning courses are essential for young athletes and their entourage members participating in the event next October-November, the learnings from the modules are useful and open to all elite young athletes and entourage members.
The courses are available in nine languages for athletes and six languages for entourage members.
They are divided into four interactive, age-appropriate and concise modules for them to learn about:
- Staying Mentally Fit
- Safeguarding
- Preventing Competition Manipulation
- Anti-doping (ADEL course hosted by WADA)
Upon completion of the first three modules, the participant will receive a certificate signed by the IOC President Kirsty Coventry.
The courses can be accessed using the links below (participants will be required to register for or log in to Athlete365):
Media Center
Photography
During Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, the IWUF will make imagery available free of charge for editorial use.
For specific requests and to obtain the download link, please contact IWUF Media & Communication at media@iwuf.org.
Media Enquiries
For media enquiries, please contact IWUF Media & Communication at media@iwuf.org.
