Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad attends Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games Opening Ceremony (The Peninsula)

In the presence of President of the Olympic Council of Asia and President of the

Qatar Olympic Committee, HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, the Qatari delegation

took part in the opening ceremony of the fourth edition of the Dakar 2026 Youth

Olympic Games. Athlete Adam Morsy represented the Qatari delegation, carrying the

flag of the State of Qatar during the Parade of Nations.

The ceremony showcased a harmonious blend of sport, culture and the arts, while

celebrating Africa's identity and rich cultural heritage under the theme "Africa

Welcomes, Dakar Celebrates". It was held at the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in the

Senegalese city of Diamniadio, which has a seating capacity of 50,000 spectators.

The opening ceremony was also attended by a distinguished gathering of dignitaries,

ed by HE Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, President of the Republic of Senegal; Kirsty

Coventry, President of the International Olympic Committee; Fatima Sultan Al Kuwari,

Chief Executive Officer of Qatar's Bid for the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Representatives of National Olympic Committees, International Sports Federations and

delegations from participating countries were also in attendance. Their presence

underscored the Games' international standing and their role in fostering

communication, connection and closer ties among the various stakeholders of the

global Olympic Movement.

Young athletes from around the world took part in the parade of delegations, creating a

colourful display of cultural diversity and international friendship. The ceremony also

featured the raising of the Olympic flag, the Olympic Anthem and the Olympic Oath,

reaffirming the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect.

Music, dance and traditional Senegalese and West African performances added to the

celebrations, bringing together the region's cultural traditions and the creativity of its

younger generations. The official mascot, Ayo, a young lion wearing a traditional

Tingandé hat associated with the Fulani people, also featured prominently, reflecting

Senegal's cultural heritage and the historic significance of hosting the first Olympic

sporting event in Africa.

Team Qatar's youth contingent at Dakar 2026 comprises four athletes: Adam Morsy in

swimming; Dana Salem and Abu Bakr Idris in athletics; and Adham Al Deeb in fencing.

Qatar's athletes are set to begin their campaigns on 2 November. Adam Morsy will

compete in the 100m and 50m breaststroke events on 3 and 5 November, respectively.

Abubakr Idris will take part in the 110m hurdles, while Adham El Deeb is scheduled to

compete in the individual foil event on 9 November. Dana Salem will compete in the

200m on 10 November.

Competitions will be held across Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly, bringing together

approximately 2,700 athletes in 25 sports and 153 medal events. The program also

features 10 engagement sports, which do not award medals and are designed to

introduce young people to a wider range of sporting activities.

Organised by the International Olympic Committee, the Youth Olympic Games provide

an international platform for young athletes, primarily aged 15 to 17, to compete,

develop and exchange experiences. Senegal's role as host marks a historic first for

Africa, as the country becomes the first on the continent to stage the Youth Olympic

Games.

Beyond competition, Dakar 2026 celebrates the principles of universality, solidarity and

unity in diversity. The Games reflect the Olympic philosophy of placing sport at the

service of humankind, using sport to bring people together, strengthen mutual

understanding and promote respect across cultures and nations.