Angel Han

For Angel, selection for the Youth Olympic Games is the culmination of years of dedication and hard work.

"When I was informed that I had been selected to represent New Zealand at the Youth Olympic Games 2026, I felt really excited and proud because it reflects all the hard work and dedication I have put in over the years.

At the Youth Olympic Games, I am really looking forward to competing against some of the best young players in the world, gaining valuable experience, and enjoying the unique atmosphere of this event. My goal is to give my very best in every match, continue learning and improving, and make myself and New Zealand proud."

August Xiao

August described his selection as a significant milestone in his table tennis journey.

“I feel incredibly honoured and excited to be selected to represent New Zealand at the Youth Olympic Games. It has been a goal I've been working towards for a long time, and I'm grateful that all my hard work has paid off.

Representing New Zealand means a lot to me. Every time I wear the NZ shirt, I feel proud to compete for my country and give my best.

I'd like to thank my family, my coaches, Table Tennis New Zealand and everyone who has supported me throughout my journey. Their encouragement and belief in me have made this opportunity possible.

I'm really looking forward to competing against some of the world's best young players and learning from the experience. My goal is to play with confidence, enjoy every match, and give everything I have. I hope to perform at my best and make New Zealand proud.”

TTNZ congratulates Angel and August on their selection and wishes them every success as they prepare for Dakar 2026.

Non Travelling reserves

Yelena Yi and Eli Ho have been named as the New Zealand team's non travelling reserves for the Women's Singles and Men's Singles events respectively. 

On the Road to Dakar

Youth Olympic Games Long-list 

New Zealand had eight athletes who met the eligibility criteria and self-nominated for inclusion on the Youth Olympic Games long-list. Each athlete was assessed against the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games Nomination Criteria, including performances at key domestic and international events, results achieved during the qualification period, and demonstrated commitment to the high-performance pathway.

Long-list Athletes

·       Women: Angel Han; Karen Looi; Tracey Hsia; Yelena Yi

·       Men: August Xiao; Eli Ho; Lucas Alexandre; Oscar Du

Nomination Process

Athletes were required to compete internationally during the qualification period to meet eligibility requirements and strengthen New Zealand’s opportunity to secure a Youth Olympic Games quota place. The nomination process considered performances at international tournaments including the ITTF-Oceania Youth Championships, World Table Tennis Youth events, and two mandatory New Zealand-based tournaments: the 2026 North Island Individual Championships and the Youth Olympic Games trial long-list round-robin event.

Selection

TTNZ nominated athletes to the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) in line with the published nomination criteria. Final selection rested with the NZOC selection panel. Selection for Dakar was dependent on New Zealand receiving quota places from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Quota allocations were confirmed before NZOC made its final athlete selections for Dakar 2026.