First in the provisional YOG rankings: China shines on the podiums and confirms its ambitions

In Dakar, the People’s Republic of China is there. Present in several disciplines, its delegation is having an excellent run at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, with a great harvest of medals which testifies to the dynamism of its sports policy in favor of youth.

In the provisional rankings for the “Dakar 2026” Youth Olympic Games, the People’s Republic of China occupies first place, with twelve medals, including seven gold, three silver and two bronze, just behind Japan (19 medals) and Russia (5 medals). Yesterday, on skateboard, the Chinese Yuanling Zhu won gold in the women’s category, thus consolidating Chinese domination. But one of the highlights of the competition came from coastal rowing. The duo of Su Juntao and Liu Lili won the mixed doubles event, giving China its first ever gold medal of these Games. The young athlete then won the women’s individual event, thus signing a historic double in a discipline which is making its YOG debut.

This success confirms the ambitions of the People’s Republic of China in a spectacular discipline, which combines sand racing and sea navigation. In the pools, Chinese swimmers also responded. XIe Yichen distinguished himself by winning gold in the men’s 100 meter breaststroke, before winning silver in the 100 meter freestyle. Yesterday, Yichen added an Olympic title to his list by winning the 50m breaststroke. For her part, Chang Mohan won silver in the women’s 200 meter breaststroke. In badminton, Zhang Yi Xin won gold in women’s singles yesterday, dominating Indian Patri Tanvi, while in men’s singles, Tian Yue Hong settled for bronze. Another satisfaction for the Chinese delegation: wushu. Lin Yilei won the gold medal in the men’s changquan combined event.

This victory has a particular dimension for the People’s Republic of China, country of origin of this martial art. It also helps to highlight a discipline which is making its entry into the Joj program. In judo, Cheng Yue won a bronze medal in the women’s -78 kg category by beating Cuban Pita Zorrilla Kayla. In Dakar, the People’s Republic of China continues its quest for performance, in a competition that brings together the new generation of world sport. With seven Youth Olympic titles and several other podiums, the People’s Republic of China confirms its status as a great sporting power.

Samba Oumar FALL