The meeting took place at the Malian chancery in Dakar, Senegal, and was attended by the president of the High Council of Malians in Senegal, Salia Coulibaly. The Malian delegation to the Youth Olympic Games includes Secretary General of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Modibo Traoré, and five athletes: Mariam Diallo, Awa Diarra, Moussa Koïta, Younoussa Maïga, and Thierno Hady Thiam.
Ambassador Boubacar Biro Diallo, who assumed his position in June 2024 and arrived in Dakar in September 2024, expressed his enthusiasm for meeting with the athletes and their delegation. He stated that his message to the team was to "fight to raise the flag of Mali high" and to represent their country with pride. The ambassador emphasized that it is the duty of the Malian chancery to support and assist the team during their stay in Senegal.
The Malian delegation was received warmly at the chancery, with Modibo Traoré expressing gratitude for the support. He noted that such receptions are not always common for athletes traveling abroad and that it was a testament to the efforts of the Malian authorities to make the team feel at home. The High Council of Malians in Senegal also organized for Malian nationals to be present in the stands during the games.
The Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, feature athletes from around the world competing in various sports. The Malian team is participating in several events, including taekwondo, athletics, judo, swimming, and fencing. Mariam Diallo, a 17-year-old taekwondo athlete, is one of the youngest members of the team and is competing in her first Olympic Games.
Awa Diarra, an athlete, qualified for the final of her event with a time of 2 minutes 23 seconds 35. Thierno Hady Thiam, a fencer, is the youngest member of the Malian team, born on November 14, 2011. The team's participation in the Youth Olympic Games is seen as an opportunity for them to gain experience and represent their country on the international stage.
The Malian ambassador's meeting with the team is part of his duties to support and assist Malian citizens abroad. He emphasized that the chancery's role is to provide representation, follow up on current events, and promote economic and commercial relations. The ambassador's engagement with the team demonstrates the importance of diplomatic support for national athletes competing abroad.
The reception at the Malian chancery in Dakar ended on a positive note, with news that a Malian compatriot, who was detained in a judicial procedure, had been released. The team's participation in the Youth Olympic Games continues, with hopes of achieving good results and making their country proud.
Key points
- The Malian ambassador to Senegal met with the country's delegation to the Youth Olympic Games to offer support and encouragement.
