The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) has named a five-member Team PNG contingent for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal.
Emerging sprinter Kabake Lansana (17) and swimmer Roxanne Kirarock (15) will be representing the country when the event takes place from Oct 31 to Nov 13.
The team will be led by PNG first female Olympian and Chef de Mission Dame Iammo Gapi Launa, accompanied by coaches Rellie Kaputin (Athletics) and Reed Douyere (Swimming).
“It is an honor for me to lead our young athletes at these Games, and to represent Papua New Guinea,” Dame Iammo said.
“Roxanne and Kabake have earned their place through hard work and commitment and we are very proud of them.”
Both athletes have competed internationally this year. Roxanne represented Team PNG at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games in July, setting personal bests.
In August, Kabake ran at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, USA. Dakar will be the Youth Olympic debut for both.
Places at the Youth Olympic Games are not open entry. The International Olympic Committee allocates quota places based on eligibility criteria set by each International Federation. In swimming, athletes had to be listed on the World Aquatics Rankings between 1 February 2025 and 23 May 2026.
PNG received two places: one in athletics and one in swimming.
“Our aim is simple: to perform at our very best. We expect our athletes to set new personal bests, and if that takes them onto a podium, we’ll be thrilled,” Dame Iammo said.
Dame Iammo carried PNG’s flag at Los Angeles 1984 and competed in the heptathlon there and at Seoul 1988.
“For a young athlete, this kind of international experience is priceless. They will learn how to handle pressure, how to prepare in a world-class environment, and where they stand against their peers,” she said.
“Dakar is also one step on a longer road. Next year we have the Pacific Games in Tahiti and the Commonwealth Youth Games in Malta. And our goal for these athletes is to keep building towards the Olympic Games in 2032 Brisbane as their target.”
Her message to the athletes: “To Roxanne and Kabake: you have already made your families, your communities and your country proud. Go to Dakar with confidence, enjoy every moment, and give it your very best, PNG is behind you.”