Dakar, November 01 (QNA) - HE President of the Republic of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, opened Saturday evening the fourth edition of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in the presence of President of the International Olympic Committee, Kirsty Coventry.

HE President of the Olympic Council of Asia and President of the Qatar Olympic Committee Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani and Chief Executive Officer of Qatar's Bid for the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Fatima Sultan Al Kuwari, attended the opening ceremony.

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.

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 Tingande 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. (QNA)