YOG Dakar 2026: 2,655 young athletes from 204 countries gathered in Senegal
The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) bring together 2,655 young athletes aged 14 to 17, representing 204 National Olympic Committees. This fourth summer edition marks a historic first with the participation of an Olympic team of refugees and the establishment of full parity between girls and boys.
Since October 31, Dakar has become the focal point of the new generation of world sport. For this fourth summer edition of the Youth Olympic Games (YOG), Senegal welcomes 2,655 athletes aged 14 to 17, from 204 National Olympic Committees (NOCs). According to figures published by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), around 2,700 qualifying places have been allocated for this competition organized until November 13, 2026.
International participation constitutes one of the markers of this edition. For the first time in YOG history, a refugee Olympic team is taking part in the competition. It is made up of six young athletes, three girls and three boys, all based in Africa. They defend their chances in athletics, judo and taekwondo. Their presence gives an additional dimension to these Games, highlighting the values of inclusion and solidarity supported by the Olympic movement.
Another major advance: gender parity. Dakar 2026 becomes the first summer edition of the YOG to guarantee complete equality between female and male athletes, both in participation quotas and in sports, disciplines and events. The program includes 73 women’s events, as many men’s events and seven mixed events.
In total, 25 sports appear on the competition program, with 153 events giving rise to medals. Added to this are ten active sports, intended to encourage the discovery of new disciplines and the participation of young people beyond official competitions.
Senegal is also strongly represented in this major sporting event. The Senegalese National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSS) has selected 136 athletes to defend the national colors in 23 disciplines. Initially authorized to enter 139 athletes, the country thus achieved an unprecedented participation in its Olympic history, with a delegation which intends to take advantage of the advantage of the field to distinguish itself in front of its public.
Beyond performances and medals, the YOG Dakar 2026 places an important place on supporting young athletes. Forty-two role models, including Olympic champions and medalists, are mobilized to share their experiences and mentor participants through educational workshops and mentoring sessions.
Cheikh Tidiane NDIAYE
