Diamniadio:Dakar The fourth edition of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games was inaugurated by HE President of the Republic of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, on Saturday evening. The event was attended by President of the International Olympic Committee, Kirsty Coventry, and other dignitaries.

According to Qatar News Agency, HE President of the Olympic Council of Asia and President of the Qatar Olympic Committee Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, along with Fatima Sultan Al Kuwari, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar’s Bid for the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, were present at the opening ceremony.

The ceremony, held at the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in the Senegalese city of Diamniadio, featured a Parade of Nations where athlete Adam Morsy represented Qatar by carrying the national flag. The event celebrated Africa’s identity and rich cultural heritage and included music, dance, and traditional performances from Senegal and West Africa. The official mascot, Ayo, a young lion wearing a traditional Tingande hat, underscored Senegal’s cultural significance as the host of Africa’s first Olympic sporting event.

Team Qatar’s youth contingent at Dakar 2026 includes four athletes Adam Morsy in swimming; Dana Salem and Abu Bakr Idris in athletics; and Adham Al Deeb in fencing. These athletes will commence their competitions starting 2 November, with events scheduled in swimming, athletics, and fencing.

The Youth Olympic Games, organized by the International Olympic Committee, provide a platform for approximately 2,700 athletes to compete in 25 sports and 153 medal events. The event also features engagement sports to introduce young people to various sporting activities.