Senegal Makes Olympic History as Africa Hosts Its First Youth Olympic Games

2026, October 31

Senegal

Senegal is preparing to open the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, marking the first time an Olympic event has been held on African soil. Approximately 2,700 athletes aged between 14 and 17 are expected to compete until 13 November across Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly. The programme includes 153 medal events in 25 sports, with new disciplines such as Baseball5, Wushu and beach wrestling. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye is scheduled to declare the Games officially open during Saturday's ceremony.

The event represents a historic opportunity for Africa to strengthen its position in international sport and attract future major competitions. Another significant development is the participation of 13 Russian athletes under their national flag, marking the first time Russia has competed with its national symbols at an Olympic event since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The Games also include the first refugee team in Youth Olympic history, featuring six athletes based in Kenya and Uganda.