The medallists line up following the Team Equestrian competition at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. © FEI / Kirsty Pasto

05.11.2026

Team Asia held their nerve to claim gold at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games on Thursday, as the first Equestrian medals were awarded following a thrilling FEI Team Final in Diamniadio (SEN).

The winning quartet of India's Sresht Raju Mantena (Crazy Horse Boop), China's Ruirui Sun (Astral Z), the United Arab Emirates' Alya Adnan Awadh Almheiri (Karlista de Residal) and Indonesia's Nusrtdinov Zayan Fatih (Ucaral de Beaujoir) secured victory on 17 penalties.

Inter America claimed silver with a score of 21, while Africa celebrated bronze on home soil with a total of 29.

The chase for gold

Team Asia entered the Final leading the standings after Tuesday's opening qualifier, closely followed by Europe, whose two clear rounds had kept them firmly in contention.

With four Athletes representing each of the six continental teams and only the three best scores counting, the competition promised an exciting showdown from the very first fence.

Both faults and time played a part in the Team result, creating an electric atmosphere as the battle for gold unfolded, with just one rail ultimately separating gold and silver.

All Athletes rose to the challenge, bringing their A-game and producing an impressive 11 clear rounds as the standard of Jumping reached new heights.

Switzerland's Mike Smits aboard Barentin de Rampan, India's Sresht Raju Mantena riding Crazy Horse Boop and Guatemala's Cristian Tejada Saravia with Comme d'Hbitude Jeme were among the standout performers. All three achieved double clears across the two qualifiers, showcasing their skill and growing confidence with their borrowed horses.

Team Asia may have maintained their advantage throughout, but Inter America made a commanding charge up the rankings to keep the pressure on the leaders.

Three fault-free performances from Tejada Saravia, Liza Tittle (USA) with Senji de Reaute and Bruna de Rossetti Faine (CHI) riding Haribo de Moussadiere meant the team added no penalties in Round B, securing a well-earned silver medal.

A comeback worth its weight in gold

For China's Ruirui Sun, the victory was particularly rewarding after a challenging start to her Olympic journey.

Having collected 19 penalties in Tuesday's qualifier, Sun returned aboard Astral Z as the team's anchor Athlete, producing a confident clear round when it mattered most.

Her turnaround was a testament to patience, perseverance and horsemanship. Recognising that her new partner had been nervous during their first appearance, the Chinese Athlete made several adjustments to help him relax, and the difference was clear.

"In the first round, he was really nervous,” she said. “When he arrived here, he was excited and nervous, so we made some mistakes.

"This time, I made a few changes to help him calm down. I think he was much calmer this time, and he jumped every obstacle really well," she explained.

Sun also found reassurance from her teammates, whose encouragement helped restore her confidence after a difficult start.

"My teammates encouraged me a lot after the first round,” she added. “They made me feel that I could do it today. I also want to say a really big thank you to my coaches.”

Friendships beyond the finish line

Beyond the excitement of the podium, the friendships and camaraderie forged along the way have made the Youth Olympic experience even more rewarding.

For Honduras' Olivia Cosenza Lloyd, a member of the silver medal-winning Inter America squad riding Duracell II, the encouragement of her fellow Athletes has been one of the highlights.

"Riding as part of a team brings a lot of pressure, but it's also really fun because everyone around you is supporting you," she reflected.

Ghali Bougja of Morocco, whose fault-free performance aboard Alato de la Cense contributed to Africa's bronze, was equally enthusiastic about the shared experience.

"Team competition is my favourite event,” he said. “We're together as a group of four riders, and we support one another. It gives you that extra encouragement and support, and it's also really fun to compete as a team. It's always a great experience."

That camaraderie has extended far beyond the continental squads. From supporting one another in the arena to spending time together away from the sport, the Athletes have formed bonds that will last long after the final fence has been jumped.

"Honestly, all 24 riders have been talking and spending time together. We've all got along really well. We talk, stay together and do pretty much everything together," Bougja explained.

FEI Jumping Director Todd Hinde also praised the performances and the spirit shown throughout the event, highlighting the importance of the format in developing the next generation of equestrian talent.

“Congratulations to all the Athletes and to Team Asia on their victory,” he said. “The FEI Team competition gives Athletes the opportunity to work together, and it is wonderful to see such fantastic sportsmanship and team spirit. The future of our sport certainly looks bright.”

Attention now turns to the Individual Final, where all 24 Athletes have qualified for one last chance at Youth Olympic glory.

Don’t forget you can watch the competition on Friday 6 November here: Dakar 2026 Live Stream. Find out more about coverage where you live here.

The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games run from 31 October to 13 November, with Equestrian taking place from 3 to 6 November.