The fourth edition of the Summer Youth Olympic Games kicked off in the Senegalese capital, Dakar, on Saturday, running until November 13, becoming the first Olympic event held on African soil. In July 2007 in Guatemala City, members of the International Olympic Committee unanimously approved the initiative of the late Belgian Jacques Rogge, former IOC President, to create a distinct event aimed at youth rather than a miniature version of the major Games.
Participation and Ages
The Committee expects the participation of 2,655 athletes aged between 14 and 17, born between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2011, from 204 National Olympic Committees, as well as the Olympic Refugee Team. The Dakar edition features full gender equality in quotas, sports, and competitions for the first time, with approximately 2,700 spots allocated, while refugees are represented by six athletes residing in Africa.
Program and Competitions
The program includes 25 competitive sports, such as athletics, swimming, archery, breakdancing, and wushu, which has not previously appeared in the Olympic program, along with 10 demonstration sports. Teams compete for 153 medals, distributed as 73 for men, 73 for women, and seven mixed competitions, with events held in Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly across eight venues.
Teams and Future
Regarding teams, Iran finalized its roster with 27 athletes, and the Iranian women's futsal team faces Costa Rica in a group stage match on November 1. Kazakhstan participates with 18 athletes in 11 sports, Bahrain with four athletes, while Ukraine secured 38 spots in 14 sports. Looking ahead, the fifth Winter edition will be held in Italy from January 15 to 29, 2028, while the IOC has suspended the selection of the 2030 host to establish a new youth strategy.
Source: Arriyadiyah newspaper
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