After Faye officially declared the 4th Summer Youth Olympic Games open, the stadium erupted in vibrant Afrobeat music.
As the Olympic cauldron was lit, dancers wearing masks and futuristic costumes created a pathway for an Afrofuturism-inspired fashion show.
Held in Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly from Oct 31 to Nov 13, the fourth edition of YOG will bring together more than 2,600 athletes from over 200 delegations. A total of 25 sports will feature on the official competition program, alongside 10 engagement sports.
Dakar 2026 will also feature the Youth Olympic debuts of wushu, baseball5 and skateboarding, as well as the Refugee Olympic Team's historic first appearance at the Games.
China has sent 66 athletes to compete in 21 sport events at the Dakar Youth Olympics. Wushu athlete Lin Yilei and swimmer Chang Mohan, both 15, were named China's flagbearers for the opening ceremony.
XINHUA
