MANILA, July 13 -- The Philippines will officially send nine athletes to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) this October, after the gymnastics association nominated two of its artistic gymnasts for the global competition for athletes aged 15 to 18.

"They're the rising stars of Philippine sports," Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino said in a news release Monday.

"We are hoping for a podium finish and of course, we are praying for the gold. This is a fighting team, and I believe they will do their best," he added.

Tolentino launched last Saturday what would be the feeder for future YOGs - the inaugural Southeast Asia Plus Youth Games - in a well-attended event at Solaire Resort.

Gymnasts Hilarrion Pa...