Oman participated in the opening ceremony of the fourth Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, on Saturday, marking the first time the Olympic event has been hosted on African soil. The Games, held from October 31 to November 13, showcase young athletes from around the world in a celebration of sport, cultural exchange, and Olympic values. The Stade Abdoulaye Wade in Diamniadio was filled with over 55,000 spectators for the ceremony, which featured music, dance, and artistic displays highlighting Senegalese culture and Africa’s diversity.
Oman’s delegation at the ceremony was led by Eng Khalfan bin Saleh al Naabi, Board Member of the Oman Olympic Committee and head of the delegation. Accompanying him were Rashid bin Ali bin Humaid al Badi, Oman’s Ambassador to Senegal, representatives from the Omani Embassy in Dakar, and various administrative and sporting team members. Swimmer Hamed bin Sulaiman al Hasani had the distinction of serving as Oman’s flag bearer during the athletes’ parade, marking his debut at the Youth Olympic Games. Members of the delegation, including Al Hasani, wore traditional Omani dress, presenting a strong expression of national identity on the global stage.
The opening event was attended by Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry, as well as other international sports officials and delegations. The program included the parade of nations and the lighting of the Olympic cauldron, underscoring the event’s symbolic significance.
Al Hasani described leading the Omani delegation as a moment of great pride and motivation. “It was a truly special moment that reflected the strongest values of national pride, belonging and loyalty to our homeland,” he said. He expressed gratitude for the support from Oman’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, the Oman Olympic Committee, and the Oman Aquatics Association, which have helped foster the development of young athletes in the country.
Following the opening, Oman’s sporting competitions have begun, with Al Hasani competing in the men’s 400m freestyle on November 3 at the Complexe Tour de l’Œuf in Dakar. Originally scheduled events in the 800m freestyle were canceled due to high water temperatures, as coordinated by event organizers and World Aquatics. Al Hasani is training under national coach Mohamed Bouguera of Algeria, focusing on physical fitness and technical refinement ahead of his race.
Oman’s representation will also include taekwondo athlete Ziyad bin Ali al Balushi in the men’s under-48 kg category on November 8 at the Iba Mar Diop Arena and fencer Jana al Sharji, a world championship silver medalist, competing in the women’s individual épée on November 10 at the Dakar Expo venue. The participation of these athletes highlights Oman’s continued commitment to developing talent across multiple sports disciplines at the international level.