Ukraine’s Boxing Hopefuls Polina Kovera and Evangelina Petruk Set to Compete at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar

Ukraine’s Representation at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games

According to НОК: Polina Kovera and Evangelina Petruk will proudly represent Ukraine in boxing at the 4th Youth Olympic Games, scheduled for 2026 in Dakar, Senegal. The boxing events will take place from November 7 to 12 at the state-of-the-art Dakar Exhibition Center. Competing in different weight classes, Polina will fight in the 60 kg division, while Evangelina will compete in the 57 kg category. Both athletes are coached by Yuriy Myahkikh.

Impressive Athletic Records

Polina Kovera brings a wealth of experience to the ring, having earned a medal at the 2025 European Championships and securing the title of Ukrainian national champion in 2026. She also competed in the qualifying tournament held in Thailand. Evangelina Petruk is a silver medalist from the 2025 European Championships and also claimed silver at the Thai qualifying event. In 2024, she took part in the Asian Boxing Championships, further broadening her international exposure.

The boxing competition at the Youth Olympics follows a knockout format, featuring preliminary rounds, quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals. The Dakar Exhibition Center offers a modern, versatile venue tailored for large-scale global sporting events. Ukrainian audiences can watch the matches live via Suspilne Sport, the official broadcaster.

With their strong backgrounds and proven track records, both Ukrainian boxers are considered strong contenders and bring hope for a successful showing on the international stage.

The participation of Polina Kovera and Evangelina Petruk at the Youth Olympic Games marks a significant milestone in advancing Ukrainian boxing on the global platform.

These athletes’ achievements highlight their potential in elite competitions. Moreover, their involvement in such prestigious tournaments plays a crucial role in promoting boxing within Ukraine and inspiring the next generation of athletes.

As Ukraine continues to make strides in various sports, it is worth noting that the nation will also showcase its talent in rowing at the upcoming Youth Olympic Games. This year marks Ukraine's inaugural participation in coastal rowing, a discipline that promises to add to the excitement of the event. To learn more about this new venture and its significance for Ukrainian athletes, read our coverage on Ukraine's debut in coastal rowing.