With a joyful Opening Ceremony, the 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) kicked off officially on 31 October in Dakar, Senegal, marking the first time an Olympic sporting event is held on African soil. Running through to 13 November, the Games bring together the world’s leading young athletes aged 14 to 17 to compete across a wide range of sports.

25 sports and 153 medal events

The sporting programme comprises 25 competition sports and 153 medal events. A further 10 sports feature in engagement activities, providing young people with opportunities to discover and experience different disciplines beyond the competition programme.

Gender equality is a key feature of Dakar 2026. The programme includes 73 men’s events, 73 women’s events and seven mixed events, with equal quota places for female and male athletes. Dakar 2026 is the first Youth Olympic Games to achieve gender equality across athlete quota places, sports, disciplines and events.

International Federations’ key role in delivery of the Games

All 35 International Federations, of which the majority are ASOIF members, have been involved in shaping the sports competition and engagement programmes, working with the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Their expertise is essential to the organisation of events, the application of sport-specific rules and regulations, and the delivery of fair and safe competitions for young athletes.

ASOIF President Ingmar De Vos said:

International Federations play an essential role in the success of Olympic events, working hard behind the scenes ensuring that they are organised to the highest technical standards and that the rules of each sport are consistently applied. The Games also provide an important opportunity to introduce young athletes to the international sporting environment and encourage greater participation in sport. We are excited to see these Games taking place in Dakar, marking the first time an Olympic sporting event is held in Africa.

Competition venues and sporting legacy

Competitions are held across eight venues in the three host areas of Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly. In preparation for the Games, 11 local sports facilities have been renovated and modernised, providing improved infrastructure for sporting activities and community use beyond the event.

Athlete development and engagement

Beyond competition, more than 40 Athlete Role Models, including Olympic champions, medallists and experienced Olympians, take part in workshops, mentoring sessions and activities at competition venues and the Youth Olympic Village. These initiatives complement the sporting programme by giving young athletes opportunities to learn from experienced competitors and develop their understanding of high-performance sport.

Learn more.