Fifteen Young Athletes Selected Across Eleven Sports
The national delegation consists of 15 athletes ranging in age from 14 to 18 years old. These competitors are scheduled to participate across 11 different sports disciplines at the upcoming international competition in Senegal. Seven members of the roster receive backing from the IPD’s Athlete Support Program (PAD): Samuel Duffoó and Natzumi Aquije in table tennis, Stacy Rodríguez in wrestling, Thiago Goyzueta in athletics, Astrid Bravo in fencing, Yesus Perea in judo, and Doménico Sotomayor in swimming.
Aquije and Sotomayor Will Carry the Peruvian Flag
During the ceremony hosted by the Peruvian Olympic Committee, Natzumi Aquije and Doménico Sotomayor were designated as the nation’s flag-bearers. Aquije began her athletic development at the IPD Academy in Ica. “I feel very proud of this recognition and the responsibility of being a flag-bearer,” Aquije said. “In addition, being part of the IPD PAD has helped me a lot in my training.”
IPD President Urges Determination
Addressing the athletes during Monday's event, IPD President Óscar Fernández Cáceres said their upcoming international exposure was significant. “Compete with courage, respect your rivals and remember that you represent millions of Peruvians who will be cheering for you from home,” Fernández Cáceres stated. “You are already part of the future of Peruvian sport.”
Dakar 2026 Historical Milestone
The Dakar 2026 Games represent the fourth edition of the Youth Olympics and mark the first time the event will take place on the African continent. From October 31 to November 13, Senegal will host approximately 2,700 athletes under the age of 18 representing 206 national Olympic committees. For the Peruvian contingent, the competition offers a key benchmark for youth development and international experience.
Worth a look
