Zambian badminton player Anjuman Bhardwaj has been selected to represent her country at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. The 17-year-old athlete is grateful for the support of her parents, coach, and school, which has enabled her to pursue her badminton ambitions. Bhardwaj is looking forward to making Zambia proud and gaining valuable experience in the international arena. She is one of six athletes from Zambia competing in athletics, judo, swimming, and badminton at the Games.
Bhardwaj credits her parents, Rajesh and Dolly Bhardwaj, with playing a significant role in her development as an athlete. Her father is her inspiration and coach, while her mother provides nutritional support. Her coach, Donald Mabo, also offers guidance and support. Bhardwaj's selection for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games is a significant achievement, and her coach believes it will help her continue to develop as a competitive player.
The National Olympic Committee of Zambia had initially applied for 115 athlete places but was allocated only six spots through a quota process. Bhardwaj is part of a team that will compete in various sports, and she hopes to uphold the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect. She also aims to promote the principles of clean sport and make a positive impact in Dakar.
Bhardwaj has already represented Zambia in several international competitions, including the All Africa School Championship in Harare, Zimbabwe, where she won gold in the women's singles in 2023. She also secured Zambia's under-19 national badminton title in July 2025. Additionally, she has competed with the senior Badminton Zambia national team and participated in the All-Africa Mixed Senior Championships in Douala, Cameroon.
In 2025, Bhardwaj had a successful run in domestic competitions, winning the women's singles, women's doubles, and mixed doubles titles at the Midlands Open Championship in Lusaka. She partnered with Mary Chilambe in the women's doubles and Kalombo Mulenga in the mixed doubles. Her success in these competitions demonstrates her potential as a competitive badminton player.
Bhardwaj balances her athletic pursuits with her academic work, thanks to the support of her school, Springfields School in Lusaka. She values the encouragement she receives from her parents, family, coaches, and school, which enables her to excel in both areas. Bhardwaj hopes to follow in the footsteps of Zambian athletes who have achieved success at previous Youth Olympic Games.
The National Olympic Committee of Zambia aims to build on the country's previous success at the Youth Olympic Games, where Zambia has won four medals across three appearances. Bhardwaj is focused on making a positive impact in Dakar and hopes that her performances will make Zambia proud. With the support of her team and family, she is ready to take on the challenges of the Games and make a lasting impression.
Key points
- Anjuman Bhardwaj to represent Zambia at Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games
- Bhardwaj wins gold in women's singles at All Africa School Championship
- Zambia's National Olympic Committee had initially applied for 115 athlete places
