Egypt’s Meshref Named IOC Role Model for Historic Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics

Africa’s most decorated table tennis star, Dina Meshref, has been appointed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as an Athlete Role Model for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG), marking a significant milestone as Africa prepares to host its first Olympic event.

Meshref’s selection places her among an elite group of global sporting figures chosen to mentor young athletes at the Games, which will be staged in Senegal from October 31 to November 13, 2026.

The IOC, working in collaboration with international sports federations, unveiled a diverse list of role models drawn from the 25 competition sports and 10 engagement sports on the Dakar programme.

Among those named are Clarisse Agbegnenou (France, judo), Rayssa Leal (Brazil, skateboarding), Blessing Oborududu (Nigeria, wrestling), Jamila Lunkuse (Uganda, swimming), Douglas Brose (Brazil, karate), and Shiwei Zheng (China, badminton).

The Athlete Role Model initiative, introduced at the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in Singapore in 2010, is designed to provide young competitors with direct access to experienced Olympians.

At Dakar 2026, the selected athletes will mentor participants both on and off the field—attending training sessions, offering guidance during competition, and leading workshops on areas such as mental preparation, injury prevention, career planning, and life skills.

Reacting to the programme, Shiwei Zheng described her role as “a powerful extension” of her career, emphasising that true success goes beyond medals.

Other appointees, including Spain’s Asunción Batista and Senegal’s Combe Seck, also highlighted the opportunity to inspire and support the next generation of athletes.

IOC Athletes’ Department Director Kaveh Mehrabi underscored the importance of the initiative, noting that young athletes often look up to Olympians for direction and motivation.

“We have seen the incredible impact Athlete Role Models have had at previous Youth Olympic Games, and we believe these outstanding individuals will play a central role in Dakar,” he said.

For Africa, the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games represent a historic breakthrough, bringing together about 2,700 athletes aged 17 and under across three host zones—Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly.

Meshref’s appointment is being celebrated as a proud moment for African table tennis and a testament to her enduring influence on the continent’s sporting landscape, as she prepares to inspire a new generation on home soil.

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