Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games: 2,665 athletes, 25 sports and 153 events in a historic first for Africa

The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games opened in Senegal on October 31, bringing together 2,665 athletes aged 14 to 17 across 25 sports and 153 medal events through November 13. The competition is being held in Africa for the first time, with events at eight venues in Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly. Senegal is represented by 136 athletes and has mobilized more than 6,000 volunteers, while France has selected 69 young competitors. The edition also marks the return of Russian athletes after the Russian Olympic Committee’s suspension was lifted in July 2026.