Sport · Malaysia Bureau
Senegal launches inaugural African Youth Olympics in Dakar
Senegal is hosting the continent's first-ever Youth Olympic Games, bringing together nearly 2,700 young athletes from around the world. The multi-sport competition will see participants aged 14 to 17 competing across 25 disciplines.
LSN Malaysia ·
Dakar is hosting a historic sporting event as Senegal inaugurates Africa's first Youth Olympic Games. The competition brings together approximately 2,665 young athletes aged between 14 and 17 from across the globe, marking a significant milestone for continental sports development.
The Games will feature competition across 25 different sports, with a total of 153 medal events on offer. The breadth of the sporting programme reflects the International Olympic Committee's commitment to expanding youth participation in Olympic disciplines at the regional level.
The event represents a major undertaking for Senegal and the African continent, providing a platform for emerging young talent to gain international competition experience. The Games follow the established format of the IOC's Youth Olympic movement, which aims to promote sport, education and culture among young people worldwide.
Hosting the Games in Dakar underscores West Africa's growing prominence in international sports infrastructure and event management. The competition is expected to boost youth sporting engagement across the region and provide valuable experience for young athletes competing at an elite level.