31 October – 13 November 2026 | Dakar, Senegal
Two North Harbour players. One incredible opportunity. One very proud association.
Badminton North Harbour is thrilled to celebrate the selection of Amy Wang and Tony Yu, who will represent New Zealand at the Dakar 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games.
From the courts of North Harbour to one of the biggest sporting stages in the world, Amy and Tony are about to embark on an incredible journey as they pull on the silver fern and compete alongside some of the world’s most talented young athletes.
For both players, this is a moment that represents years of dedication, training, competition and countless hours on the badminton court.
And now, the countdown to Dakar is officially on!
🌟 A Dream Opportunity for Amy
For Amy Wang, the news that she had been selected was a moment she will never forget.
“I was overjoyed because I have never participated in an event as big as this,” Amy said.
The Youth Olympic Games will give Amy the opportunity not only to compete on the world stage, but to experience a truly unique sporting environment.
While the badminton will be a major focus, Amy is also looking forward to everything that comes with being part of a global event.
“I’m looking forward to meeting new people, making friends, and experiencing new environments,” she said.
For Amy, success in Dakar won’t simply be measured by results on the scoreboard.
“Giving it my best on court, staying positive, and enjoying my matches,” is what a successful Youth Olympic Games will look like for her.
And if Amy had to sum up her feelings about Dakar 2026 in just one word?
“Honoured.”
🇳🇿 A Huge Honour for Tony
For Tony Yu, earning selection to the New Zealand team is something he knows is a huge achievement.
With so many talented young athletes across the country and a highly competitive selection process, Tony is grateful for the opportunity to represent New Zealand.
“There are so many strong athletes in NZ and the selection process was very competitive, so I feel very grateful for the opportunity,” Tony said.
But Tony knows that selection is only the beginning.
“I want to make the most of this opportunity, represent NZ with pride, and continue to learn and improve.”
That mindset will be important as Tony prepares to take on an international field at Dakar.
🏸 Preparing for the World Stage
Competing at the Youth Olympic Games requires more than simply stepping onto the court and playing badminton.
Tony has recognised that his preparation needs to go beyond physical training and technical development.
“I’m approaching this with a different mindset. Not only physical training and badminton, but mental preparedness, recovery, nutrition and consistency,” he explained.
With the level of competition expected to be extremely high, Tony’s goal is to arrive in Dakar confident in the work he has put in.
“My goal is to go to the games confident in my preparation and compete fearlessly.”
It is a mindset that reflects the opportunity ahead — to test himself against some of the best young players in the world while continuing to learn and develop as an athlete.
🌍 More Than Just Badminton
One of the most exciting aspects of the Youth Olympic Games will be the opportunity for Amy and Tony to be part of an Olympic village alongside athletes from countries all around the world.
For Tony, that experience is something he is particularly looking forward to.
“Amazing and unique,” is how he describes the opportunity.
“I’m really looking forward to meeting athletes from different countries and different sports and learning about their cultures.”
While the athletes will be competing against each other, Tony sees the Olympic village as an opportunity to discover just how much they have in common.
“Even though we are competitors, we are there because we share the same passion for sport.”
For Tony, living alongside athletes from different backgrounds will provide an opportunity to make new friends, learn from others and create memories that will last long after the Games are finished.
“Living together will be a great opportunity to make new friends, learn from others and create memories that I will remember for a long time.”
💚 From North Harbour to the World Stage
Amy and Tony are part of an exciting generation of North Harbour junior players who continue to make their mark at national and international level.
Their selection for Dakar 2026 is a fantastic reflection of their commitment, development and hard work — and a proud moment for everyone who has supported them throughout their journeys.
For North Harbour, seeing two of its young athletes selected to represent New Zealand at the Youth Olympic Games is a tremendous achievement.
But for Amy and Tony, the focus now shifts to Dakar.
The lights will be brighter. The competition will be tougher. And the opportunity will be bigger than ever.
⭐ Tony’s Advice to the Next Generation
Tony knows that many young North Harbour players will be watching his journey and dreaming of one day representing New Zealand themselves.
His advice is simple: believe in yourself and trust the process.
“Believe in yourself, stay humble and keep working hard,” Tony said.
He also knows that the pathway to the top isn’t always straightforward.
“There will always be setbacks and moments when things don’t go your way, but those experiences can help you become a better athlete.”
His advice to young players is to focus on the things they can control — improving every day, listening to their coaches and, most importantly, enjoying their sport.
“Focus on improving a little every day, listen to your coaches, enjoy your sport and don’t be afraid to challenge yourself.”
And perhaps most importantly, Tony encourages young athletes to be patient.
“Be patient and trust the process. You never know where your hard work and persistence might take you.”
For Tony, that hard work and persistence has now taken him all the way to Dakar.
🇳🇿 Wearing the Silver Fern
Representing New Zealand is a huge honour, and Amy and Tony will have the privilege of wearing the silver fern at one of the world’s most prestigious youth sporting events.
They will not only be representing themselves, but also their families, coaches, teammates, Badminton North Harbour and Badminton New Zealand.
For Amy, it is an opportunity to embrace a moment unlike anything she has experienced before.
For Tony, it is a chance to compete fearlessly, learn, grow and represent his country with pride.
And for everyone at Badminton North Harbour, it is a moment to celebrate.
We are incredibly proud of Amy and Tony and can’t wait to follow their journey to Dakar.
The countdown is on!
Dakar 2026 — here they come! 🌍
Congratulations Amy and Tony!
North Harbour is behind you all the way! 💪🔥
#BadmintonNorthHarbour #Dakar2026 #YouthOlympics #TeamNZ #BadmintonNZ #NorthHarbourProud #RoadToDakar
Photo Credit: @Foxallsports
