MINDEPORTE and COV fine-tune details for Venezuela's participation in the 2026 Youth Olympic Games

Published at: 01/10/2026 11:58 AM

Authorities from the Ministry of Sports together with the Venezuelan Olympic Committee (VOC) held a meeting in order to adjust the logistical details that will ensure optimal conditions for Venezuela's participation in the 2026 Youth Olympic Games that will take place from October 31 to November 13 in Senegal.

It will be the first time that an edition of the Olympic Games has been held in an African nation, and will feature the participation of 2,700 athletes from all over the world.

For this edition of the joust, the selection process was defined according to the criteria of invitation by international federations, the Organizing Committee and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in the 25 sports included in the program of the games.

In this sense, Venezuela will be present with 34 athletes who will compete in the disciplines: athletics, badminton, basketball 3x3, boxing, road cycling, women's futsal, fencing, judo, beach wrestling, swimming, table tennis, triathlon, sailing, beach volleyball and wushu.

“We have our delegation prepared, focused and training to give everything for everything in these Youth Olympic Games,” said Sports Minister Franklin Cardillo.

The delegation of athletes that will travel to Africa will be accompanied by a multidisciplinary team made up of the medical triad, technicians and other professionals specialized in high performance, which will ensure the path to excellence of young talents in the world's competition.

“We are accompanied by a professional team, ready to win medals and joys for the country with our athletes and leaders,” confirmed Soto, president of the Venezuelan Olympic Committee.

Minister Cardillo concluded the session by extending an encouraging message and wishes for success to the Venezuelan delegation.

“The greatest success to our young people, our present and our future of badminton, 3x3 basketball, boxing, cycling, futsal, judo fencing, beach wrestling, swimming, table tennis, triathlon, sailing, beach volleyball and wushu that are going to be at the Youth Olympic Games,” said the head of the sports portfolio.

Mazo News Team