Emanuel Otálvaro won silver in the men’s singles table tennis tournament at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games on November 5. The Colombian faced Japan’s Ryuusei Kawakami in the final, losing four sets to two. According to the Ministry of Sport (opens in a new tab), the result opened Colombia’s medal account at the Games and marked a first for Colombian table tennis.

A final contested to the last point

Kawakami took the first three sets. Otálvaro responded by winning the next two, 11–6 and 11–2, keeping his hopes of gold alive. The Japanese player regained control in the sixth set and closed the match 11–6. The final took place in Hall A of the Dakar Exhibition Center, according to the Colombian Olympic Committee (opens in a new tab).

Six wins on the way to the podium

Otálvaro began his run with group-stage victories over players from Costa Rica, France and Peru. He then beat Spain’s Ladimir Mayorov in the round of 16 and China’s Hechen Li in the quarterfinal. A 4–1 victory over Ki Ho Li of Hong Kong secured his place in the title match.

From flag bearer to making history

Born in Rionegro, Antioquia, Otálvaro arrived in Dakar ranked second in the world under-17 standings. He was also chosen as a Colombian flag bearer alongside swimmer María Gabriela Becerra. According to the Colombian Olympic Committee (opens in a new tab), his previous achievements included doubles silver at the 2024 World Youth Championships and singles bronze at the 2026 senior Pan American Championships.

In Senegal he added another chapter: he became the first Colombian to compete in table tennis at these Games and finished on the podium. His achievement gives a new generation another sporting role model.

Sources