Senegal has begun hosting the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, becoming the first African country to stage an Olympic event.
The competition opened on Saturday in Dakar, the country’s capital, bringing together about 2,665 athletes aged between 14 and 17 from different parts of the world.
The young athletes are expected to compete in 25 sports, with 153 medal events scheduled across eight venues in Dakar, Diamniadio and the coastal town of Saly.
The sports programme includes athletics, beach wrestling, rugby sevens and breaking, among other events.
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry described the event as an opportunity to change perceptions about Africa and showcase the continent to the world.
Speaking at a press conference in Dakar on Thursday, Coventry said she hoped visitors would leave with a positive impression of Africa.
She also described the Games as an important moment for the continent.
Senegal has deployed 136 athletes for the competition, while about 6,000 local volunteers are supporting the organisation of the event.
The opening ceremony is scheduled to take place on Saturday evening in Diamniadio.
The Games also mark the return of Russian athletes to an Olympic competition under their national flag and colours following the International Olympic Committee’s decision to effectively lift the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee in July.
According to the Russian Olympic Committee, 13 athletes and 10 coaches are expected to participate, although approval for their participation rests with the international federations governing each sport.
A refugee Olympic team, made up mainly of athletes based in Africa, will also compete.
Senegal’s hosting of the event is being viewed by the IOC as a major step towards expanding Africa’s presence in international sports.
However, excitement around the competition has been tempered by economic concerns, including unemployment, rising living costs and financial difficulties affecting many residents.
Senegal is widely recognised for its sporting culture, particularly football, traditional wrestling and surfing.
Meanwhile, South Africa could become the first African country to host the Summer Olympic Games if its bid for the 2036 edition is successful. The country previously hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
