Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games Come to a Colourful Close as Team Zambia Reflects on Its Campaign
The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games closed on Friday, 13 November 2026, with a colourful ceremony marking the end of a historic event that brought together young athletes from around the world.
Team Zambia was part of the celebrations, with several athletes taking the opportunity to interact with fellow competitors from different countries, sharing memorable moments and celebrating the friendships built throughout the Games.
Team Zambia Chef de Mission, Besa Chibwe, extended gratitude on behalf of the National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) Executive Board to the athletes, coaches, team management and everyone who supported the Zambian delegation during its stay in Dakar.
Chibwe said that with the Games now concluded, attention would shift towards nurturing the young athletes and preparing them for upcoming competitions, emphasising the importance of building on the experience gained in Dakar.
She acknowledged that although Team Zambia had hoped to return home with more medals, the competition was tough and the athletes gave their best to represent the country.
Team Zambia secured one medal at the Games, with judoka Elisha Zimba winning bronze in the men's -55kg category. His achievement added to Zambia's growing history at the Youth Olympic Games and provided a proud moment for the delegation.
As the Dakar 2026 chapter closes, the experience gained by Zambia's young athletes, both in competition and through interactions with fellow athletes, provides an important foundation for their continued development and future representation of the country on the international sporting stage.
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