Thai Youth Olympians Face Hurdles at Dakar 2026
Thailand is sending 28 youth athletes across 11 sports to the 2026 Youth Olympics in Dakar, Senegal, but faces substandard shared accommodation and must supply its own food to avoid illness. The IOC has secured temporary assurances on Senegal's anti-LGBTQ+ laws for the Games period. Officials remain confident the team will win medals, with the first contingent departing October 27.
A delegation of 28 young Thai athletes across 11 sports is set to compete at the 4th Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal. Team leader Chanathip Sonkham revealed that the host provides shared dormitory-style accommodation with four athletes per room, communal bathrooms, and no meal service, forcing the Thai team to bring their own food and supplies to avoid stomach issues. The International Olympic Committee has secured assurances regarding Senegal's anti-LGBTQ+ laws during the Games, and officials remain confident the Thai squad will return with medals. The first contingent, including table tennis, beach volleyball, judo, and rowing, departs on October 27, with competition running from October 31 to November 13.
Thana Chaiprasit, Vice President and Secretary-General of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand (NOCT), chaired a preparation meeting on October 21 at NOCT headquarters alongside team leader Chanathip Sonkham and representatives from the 11 participating sports associations. Before the meeting, Baozi Co., Ltd. sponsored shoes for the athletes and officials, which Thana received on their behalf.
At the meeting, Chanathip detailed the team composition: 28 athletes from athletics (2), swimming (2), road cycling (1), badminton (2), boxing (2), table tennis (2), beach handball (10), beach volleyball (2), rowing (2), windsurfing (2), and judo (1). Including coaches, medical staff, and other officials, the total delegation numbers 52. The first group departs October 27 via Turkish Airlines.
Chanathip highlighted several concerns due to host limitations. Accommodation resembles dormitories with four athletes per fan-cooled room sharing bathrooms, requiring athletes to bring personal items. The Thai team must also prepare its own meals because local food may be unfamiliar and unsafe, risking digestive problems.
Regarding medal prospects, Chanathip noted the IOC has set athlete and sport quotas for each nation, unlike previous editions with open qualification. Each country then selects its athletes, making it impossible to predict specific gold-medal targets now. However, based on the athlete roster and each association's preparation, she is confident Thai athletes will perform well and bring home medals.
On Senegal's anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, Chanathip said the IOC has negotiated flexibility with the host for the duration of the Games. Each nation must inform its athletes and officials about Senegal's legal restrictions to ensure proper conduct during the competition.
