JOOLA's NEXT GEN talent Emanuel Otalvaro of Colombia caused major ripples through the headlines at the Youth Olympic Games after taking home a historic silver medal. 

Otalvaro walked into the event on the back of a bronze medal at the ITTF-Americas Championships where he defeated USA's Kanak Jha, currently ranked 24 in the world. The incredible result already created a stir around the globe, but the Youth Olympic Games sent Colombia and the table tennis world into a frenzy. 

Dakar, Senegal hosted the prestigious event, a once in a lifetime opportunity for youth table tennis players. Otalvaro took care of business in the preliminary groups with a trio of 3-0 wins over his Costa Rican, Peruvian and French opponents. A strong start. 

The round of 16 saw him take on JOOLA teammate Ladimir Mayorov of Spain. Mayorov is a top european talent, already crowned European u13 champion and Spanish u19 champion. He was the flagbearer for the Spanish contingent at the games. 

Otalvaro made his intentions clear, with an exceptional 4-0 victory. 

The quarterfinal stage arrived, with the medal rounds just a step away. Excitement was building and the competition was getting fierce. Turkey's Gorkem Ocal put up a strong effort against one of the tournament favourites Lee Seungsoo of Korea, but ultimately exited the draw 1-4. 

Otalvaro would face off against China. Li Hechen wore the flag for table tennis' most dominant nation, hoping to trail in the footsteps of Fan Zhendong and Wang Chuqin. 

The 4-1 win for Otalvaro was already historic, Colombia defeating China in such a prestigious event created a huge buzz in the media.

Otalvaro's forehand attack was on another level, from powerful third ball attacks to blistering counters. Already renowned for having exceptional talent in the touch plays, his short game and serve also played a big factor in his momentum. 

Supported by his coach Camilo Giraldo, and with his parents on the sideline, Otalvaro entered the semifinals. 

The maturity in his game was showing, stone cold focus, but the shotmaking was flawless. 

Another 4-1 win, over Hong Kong's Li Ki Ho put Otalvaro into the final, guaranteeing a medal for the young star. 

Ryuusei Kawakami of Japan ultimately took the crown in a hard fought 4-2 win, but the media outlets were churning as the incredible story of a young table tennis star from Colombia was hot off the press. 

Between the stories of victory, also those of sacrifice. Tales of a young talent in the sport, who left home and family to Europe at a young age to pursue a dream. Emanuel Otalvaro etching his name in Youth Olympic Games history. The only medalist from Colombia in the 2026 games, a well deserved accolade to add to the resumé of one of table tennis' players to watch in the coming years. 

All of Team JOOLA wish to congratulate Emanuel, Camilo and the Otalvaro family for a truly brilliant result.

Find all of the Youth Olympic Table Tennis Results here.