Thousands of young athletes have converged in Nanjing, China to open the Youth Olympics, all contemplating gold.

Australia has sent 89 of the country’s best, one of the largest contingents for a country.

The team set off to China last Tuesday, farewelled by the NSW Minister of Sport and Recreation Stuart Ayres.

Mr Ayres said one of the best aspects of the Youth Olympic Games is it gives the athletes a real Olympic ‘experience’.

“From living in a village, experiencing media coverage and taking part in an event against athletes from all over the world, these young Australians will be embracing every aspect of the Olympic spirit,” he said.

“To see these young men and women receiving their Olympic kit for the first time was an incredibly special moment to be a part of.

“I congratulate the Australian Olympic Committee for instilling the Olympic spirit into our future sporting superstars.”

Approximately 3,800 competitors aged 16-18 from over 200 countries will take part in the games. All 28 summer sports offered in the Olympic games will be contested, including golf and rugby sevens, which will be new to the Rio 2016 Olympic program.

Greek Australian Marioulla Bellessis will represent the nation in the new sport of rugby, after playing in the nationals of the under 18 girls in 2013.

Greece is bringing a smaller contingent than Australia, with 22 young athletes in China to take on the world’s best in everything from fencing to sailing.

Last month, 18-year-old Apostolos Christou surprised the world of swimming by breaking the world junior record twice within 24 hours, and will be a hot favourite to go home with gold.

Cyprus, coming off the Commonwealth Games, will bring a modest team of six, mostly competing in athletics and swimming.