Youth Olympic Games Selection – DAKAR 2026

The 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games will be held in Dakar, Senegal from the 31st October – 13th November 2026. This marks the first time that an African country will host an Olympic event. 

Badminton is listed in the competition program along with 24 other sports, and two athletes have been selected to represent Australia on court. A huge congratulations to Smrithi Adepu and Om Neelam for being selected to represent Australia at this prestigious event.  

Leanne Choo, Badminton Australia Head Coach, spoke proudly of the two young players: “Both athletes have been performing well this season, with Om winning the 2026 YONEX Australian U19 Mens Singles National title this year we’re excited to see what he brings to the world’s stage, and similarly we’re keen to see Smrithi build on her recent international podium successes in Europe this month.”  

“Getting selected for the Youth Olympics this year was definitely a huge goal of mine for a while, I’m really happy and grateful to have the opportunity to play on one of the biggest world stages. I’m very determined to prepare and perform as well as I can to make Australia proud!”

– Smrithi Adepu 

“Representing Australia at the Youth Olympics is a huge honour, and I’m very proud to have the opportunity to compete at this level. It also motivates me to work even harder and make the most of this experience.”

– Om Neelam 

Badminton Australia wishes both athletes good luck as they prepare to compete at the games.  

For more information on Dakar 2026, visit the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) website: https://www.olympics.com.au/

To view the pathway and selection criteria for the Youth Olympics and other major representative events, visit the performance policies & selection page on our website: https://www.badminton.org.au/performance-policies-selection/