Mali's Ambassador to Senegal Hosts Youth Olympic Delegation

The Malian delegation to the 4th Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, led by Modibo Traoré, Secretary General of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, was received by Mali's ambassador to Senegal, Boubacar Biro Diallo, on November 2. The visit was a courtesy call to thank the diplomat for his warm welcome in Senegal. Ambassador Diallo expressed his support for the athletes, saying, "We are following these games and are with you in spirit for everything to go well."

The Youth Olympic Games, which began on October 31, will continue until November 14 in Dakar. Mali is participating in five disciplines: swimming, judo, taekwondo, fencing, and athletics. The delegation, including Wahabou Zoromé, vice-president of the Malian National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSM), and Alassane Mariko, chef de mission, met with Ambassador Diallo and his team. The ambassador wished the delegation a successful stay in Senegal, acknowledging the importance of the games for young people worldwide.

On November 2, the ambassador also met with the five Malian athletes competing in the games. Moussa Koïta, competing in the under-55 kg judo category, was eliminated. Younoussa Maïga participated in three swimming events: the 100m freestyle, 50m freestyle, and 50m butterfly. On November 2, Maïga achieved a notable performance in the 100m freestyle, finishing 4th with a time of 1:04.86.

In the 50m freestyle, Maïga clocked 28.60 seconds, improving his previous time of 28.65 seconds, and ranking 7th in his series. In the 50m butterfly event, he finished 6th with a time of 30.21 seconds, having previously recorded 31.79 seconds. This represents a significant improvement of 1.58 seconds.

Other Malian athletes are set to compete in various events. Thierno Hady Thiam will enter the fencing competition on November 9. Awa Diarra is scheduled to participate in the 800m athletics event, while Mariam Diallo will compete in the under-44 kg taekwondo category.

The Malian delegation's visit to the Senegalese embassy was a gesture of appreciation for the ambassador's hospitality. The athletes and officials expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and support. Ambassador Diallo reiterated his backing for the team, emphasizing the significance of the Youth Olympic Games for young athletes.

The 4th Youth Olympic Games have drawn numerous personalities, including heads of state. The games provide a platform for young athletes to showcase their talents and build relationships with peers from around the world. Mali's participation in the event reflects the country's commitment to promoting youth development and sports.

Key points

• The Malian delegation to the Youth Olympic Games was received by Ambassador Boubacar Biro Diallo, who expressed support for the athletes.
• Mali is participating in five disciplines: swimming, judo, taekwondo, fencing, and athletics.
• Younoussa Maïga showed notable improvement in his swimming events, particularly in the 50m butterfly.