The Tunisian National Olympic Committee organized a celebration on Friday at the Pierre de Coubertin Sports Institute in Manouba, to commemorate the Olympic torch relay for the 2026 Dakar Youth Games. The relay will continue across Senegalese regions until October 31, the opening day of the Youth Olympic Games. The event was attended by the Committee's president, sports university heads, qualified athletes, and coaches.
The celebration was marked by the presence of athletes and officials who have participated in previous Olympic Games and Youth Olympic Games. Mahrez Boussayane, president of the Tunisian National Olympic Committee, emphasized that the 2026 Youth Olympics in Dakar represents an exceptional sporting event, being the first to be held in an African country. He expressed hope that this would pave the way for the African continent to host the Summer Olympics for the first time in its history.
Boussayane highlighted the significance of celebrating the Olympic torch relay at the Pierre de Coubertin Sports Institute, which bears the name of the founder of the modern Olympic Games. He revealed that Tunisia will be represented by a total of 46 athletes, including 16 female athletes, and a handball team. Atif Al-Hudari, director of the Pierre de Coubertin Sports Institute, pledged the institute's support for the Tunisian Olympic family.
The Youth Olympic Games are held every four years, specifically for young people aged 14 to 18. The event was created by the International Olympic Committee in 2007. The first Summer Youth Olympic Games took place in Singapore in 2010, while the first Winter Youth Olympic Games were held in Innsbruck, Austria, in 2012. Tunisia has participated in all Summer Youth Olympic Games since their inception.
Tunisia's participation in the Youth Olympic Games has yielded notable results. In the 2014 Nanjing edition, the country won a silver medal in the 400m hurdles through Mohamed Fares Al-Gelassi and a bronze medal in weightlifting through Naha Al-Andalusi. The 2018 Buenos Aires edition saw Tunisia win gold, silver, and bronze medals through Ghafrana Al-Khair, Meriem Al-Khalifi, and Mohamed Khalil Al-Jandubi, respectively.
The 2026 Dakar Youth Games are set to feature athletes from around the world, competing in various sports. The event aims to promote youth development, friendship, and fair play. As the Olympic torch relay continues its journey across Senegal, the Tunisian delegation is preparing for the Games, which will take place from October 31 to November 14.
The celebration in Tunisia marks an important milestone in the lead-up to the 2026 Dakar Youth Games. The country's participation in the Games is expected to be a significant one, with a strong contingent of athletes competing in various events. The event is also seen as an opportunity for Tunisia to promote its sports sector and develop its youth.
Key points
- The 2026 Dakar Youth Games will feature 46 Tunisian athletes, including 16 female athletes.
- The Olympic torch relay for the 2026 Dakar Youth Games will continue across Senegalese regions until October 31.
- The 2026 Dakar Youth Games will take place from October 31 to November 14 in Senegal.
