Dakar:The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) commenced on Saturday, marking a historic occasion as the first Olympic event to be held on African soil. The opening ceremony was hosted at the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in Diamniadio, a newly developed city situated 30 km from Senegal's capital, Dakar.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Khady Niang, the ceremony director, emphasized that the show was an opportunity for Africa to "tell the world who we are, where we come from and where we want to go."

The ceremony featured the tricolor flag of Azerbaijan being carried by swimmers Suleyman Ismayilzada, winner of the 3rd CIS Games and bronze medalist of the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games, and Maryam Javadova, also a bronze medalist of the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games. In his address, Mamadou Diagna Ndiaye, President of the Dakar 2026 4th Summer Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee, underscored the historical importance of hosting this prominent sporting event on the African continent for the first time.

The lighting of the Olympic cauldron was accompanied by a performance from dancers in masks and futuristic costumes, creating an avenue for an Afrofuturism-themed fashion display. A 12-year-old drummer's solo performance was a highlight, earning enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Azerbaijan is participating with 13 athletes competing in 8 sports disciplines, including beach wrestling, swimming, taekwondo, boxing, fencing, road cycling, judo, and athletics. The fourth edition of the YOG, taking place in Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly from October 31 to November 13, will host over 2,600 athletes from more than 200 delegations. The event will showcase 25 sports in the official competition program, along with 10 engagement sports.