The Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has approved the events and athlete quotas for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG), setting the stage for an inclusive and sustainable event.
The Games will feature 25 sports in the competition programme, each represented by one discipline, including athletics (track and field), swimming, 3x3 basketball, street skateboarding, breaking, beach volleyball, Baseball5, Boxing, Road Cycling, Equestrian – Jumping, Fencing, Futsal, Artistic Gymnastics, Beach Handball, Judo, Coastal Rowing, Rugby Sevens, Sailing, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Triathlon, Beach Wrestling and Wushu.
For the first time, the YOG will achieve full gender equality across all 151 events, with equal quotas for boys and girls (1,350 each) and seven mixed-gender events.
“Dakar 2026 represents a significant milestone for the Youth Olympic Games, as we embrace a tailored approach that reflects the local context while maintaining the highest standards of elite youth competition,” said IOC Sports Director Kit McConnell. “The carefully crafted selection of disciplines reflects the Games’ commitment to gender equality and providing an inspiring platform for the next generation of sporting talent.”
Additionally, an engagement programme will showcase 10 sports: canoe-kayak, golf, hockey, karate, modern pentathlon, shooting, sport climbing, surfing, tennis, and weightlifting. These sports will not feature in the competition programme but will be promoted through interactive activities on-site and via digital platforms, emphasising their role as integral components and an official part of the YOG.
Team Zambia, which participated in three sports—athletics, equestrian, and hockey—at the Buenos Aires 2018 YOG, will look to expand its representation at Dakar 2026, leveraging the broader competition programme to showcase the nation’s growing sporting talent. Scheduled from 31 October to 13 November 2026, the Games will be held across Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly, with a focus on sustainability by maximizing existing infrastructure.
Dakar 2026 promises to be a transformative event, blending elite youth competition with cultural resonance and aims to serve as a blueprint for future YOG hosts.
National Federations/Associations are encouraged to engage with their respective International Federations (IFs) to understand the qualification criteria for Dakar 2026. This is a critical step in ensuring Zambia maximizes its representation and gives its young athletes the opportunity to compete on this global stage.
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