Om Prakash Karhana Appointed Chef-de-Mission for Indian Youth Olympic Team

Om Prakash Karhana, a gold medalist in shot put, has been appointed as the chef-de-mission for India's 35-member team at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal. The contingent includes 17 athletes competing in various disciplines, supported by a dedicated coaching staff. This year's team is the smallest India has sent since the Games began in 2010. Notable athletes include table tennis player Syndrela Das and swimmer Dhinidhi Desinghu, both of whom have shown great promise in their respective sports. The Games will feature around 2,700 athletes from 207 countries, competing until November 13.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 30, 2026, 14:38 IST

Indian Contingent for Youth Olympic Games

Former shot-put champion Om Prakash Karhana, who clinched gold at the Asian Championships, has been designated as the chef-de-mission for India's 35-member team, which includes 17 athletes, set to compete in the Youth Olympic Games starting Saturday in Dakar, Senegal.

At 39, Karhana, who is stepping down from his role on the Indian Olympic Association's athletes commission, previously acted as the Safeguarding Officer for the Indian team during last year's Asian Youth Games.

The Sports Ministry has sanctioned a support team comprising 12 coaches, four physiotherapists, and one doctor to assist the 17 athletes (six males and 11 females) representing India across 11 sports disciplines during the event, which will continue until November 13.

Approximately 2,700 athletes from 207 nations are anticipated to participate in 25 disciplines, catering to competitors aged 15 to 18.

This marks the smallest Indian delegation to the Youth Olympic Games since their inception in 2010. India's most successful outing was in 2018, where the nation secured 13 medals, including three golds, nine silvers, and one bronze.

Among the standout athletes in the Indian squad are young table tennis player Syndrela Das and swimmer Dhinidhi Desinghu.

The 17-year-old Syndrela recently showcased her skills at the Asian Games in Japan, competing in both the women's team and doubles events. The Indian women's team advanced to the quarter-finals, while Syndrela and her partner Sreeja Akula reached the round of 16 in doubles.

Dhinidhi has emerged as a rising star in Indian swimming, having won gold in the 200m freestyle at the 2026 Asian Age Group Championships in Bangkok, where she also set a national record. She previously participated in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Dhinidhi, along with fellow swimmer Tirhank Pegu, will receive coaching from Olympian Sandeep Sejwal, who is part of the coaching staff.

List of Indian Athletes Competing

The Indian athlete contingent includes: Avinash Shourya (Women's 100m Hurdles), Antra (Women's Beach Wrestling 65kg), Anuj (Men's Beach Wrestling 70kg), Khushbu Rajakbhai (Women's Judo 63kg), Syndrela Das (Women's Table Tennis Singles), Dhinidhi Desinghu (Women's 100m Freestyle, 200m Freestyle, 200m IM), Gunjan (Women's Boxing 48kg), Gatha Khadke (Women's Archery Individual), Deepanshu Khokhar (Men's Beach Wrestling 80kg), Lairenlakpama Ambekar (Men's Boxing 50kg), Sresht Raju (Men's Equestrian Jumping Individual), Priyanshi Patil (Women's Windsurfing), Tanvi Patri (Women's Badminton Singles), Tirhank Pegu (Men's 100m Butterfly, 200m Butterfly), Rajkumari Lanchenbi Chanu (Women's Changquan Combined), Ruparelia Dev (Men's Badminton Singles), and Taniya (Women's Beach Wrestling 75kg).