Oborududu Meshref to mentor young stars at 2026 Youth Olympics
Nigerian wrestling legend Blessing Oborududu and Egyptian table tennis star Dina Meshref have been appointed as Athlete Role Models for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games by the International Olympic Committee. This appointment comes as Africa prepares to host the Youth Olympics for the first time from October 31 to November 13 2026. Oborududu an Olympic silver medalist and multiple African champion will serve alongside Meshref the continent’s most decorated female table tennis player. They join other top global athletes including French judo star Clarisse Agbegnenou Brazilian skateboarder Rayssa Leal and Chinese badminton gold medalist Shiwei Zheng. These role models were selected from athletes representing the 25 competition sports and 10 engagement sports on the Dakar 2026 programme. The Athlete Role Model initiative started at the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympics and is designed to link experienced Olympians with young athletes. […]