The 2026 Youth Olympic Games commenced Saturday in Dakar, Senegal, marking the first time the Olympic event will be held on African soil. The Games bring together approximately 2,665 athletes aged 14 to 17 from around the world to compete in 25 sports across 153 medal events. Participants include a refugee team and, notably, Russian athletes competing under their national flag for the first time since the Russian Olympic Committee’s suspension amid the conflict in Ukraine.
The competition is spread over eight venues across three locations: the Senegalese capital Dakar, the nearby suburb of Diamniadio, and the coastal town of Saly, about 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Dakar. The opening ceremony took place Saturday evening in Diamniadio. Some 136 Senegalese athletes are part of the event, while roughly 6,000 local volunteers are assisting with logistics and operations.
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry, a former Zimbabwean swimmer, highlighted the significance of hosting the Youth Games in Africa. Speaking at a press conference in Dakar prior to the opening, she emphasized the opportunity for visitors to gain a positive impression of the continent. “I think that is really important for our continent,” Coventry said, underscoring the symbolic value of the Games.
Senegal’s deep sports culture, including its football traditions, wrestling, and surf scene, plays a prominent role in shaping the atmosphere. Popular local activities include informal football matches and group exercise along Dakar’s Corniche, the famous coastal road. Despite the buildup to the Youth Olympics, enthusiasm among the Senegalese population has been tempered by more pressing economic concerns such as inflation, unemployment, and broader financial challenges facing the country.
Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo expressed optimism about Dakar’s role during the Games, stating in an interview that the city would become “the capital of African youth” during the event. He described Africa hosting the Youth Olympic Games as a significant symbol of the continent’s growing presence in global sports.
The participation of Russian athletes represents a notable development following the IOC’s partial reinstatement of the Russian Olympic Committee in July. Russian athletes will compete under their national flag and anthem for the first time since the invasion of Ukraine in early 2022. The Russian Olympic Committee confirmed that 13 athletes and 10 coaches will attend the Games. Anzor Gaunov, coach of judoka Anastasia Dobrovolskaya, described the decision as “good news” and welcomed the restoration of their “legitimate right to participate” under national symbols.
The Youth Olympic Games in Dakar are expected to run over several days, showcasing young talent from multiple continents and advancing Africa's presence on the international sports stage.