MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman is preparing to participate in the fourth edition of the Youth Olympic Games, Dakar 2026, which will be hosted by Senegal from October 31 to November 13, with
three national teams competing in fencing, aquatics and taekwondo.
As part of the preparations for the Games, Oman Olympic Committee (OOC) held a meeting on Wednesday to discuss the technical, administrative and organisational aspects of the participation. The meeting was attended by members of the official delegation, representatives of the national teams and technical staff.
Discussions covered competition schedules, timings and venues, as well as logistical arrangements related to travel, accommodation and transportation, medical services for athletes, anti-doping procedures and regulations governing the Games, in addition to media responsibilities accompanying the participation.
In aquatics, swimmer Hamad al Hasani will compete in the men's 400m and 800m freestyle
events, scheduled for November 1 and 3 respectively, in the capital Dakar. Taekwondo
athlete Ziyad al Balushi will compete in the men's under-48 kg category on November 8 in
Dakar. In fencing, Janna al Sharji will take part in the women's individual épée event, scheduled for November 10 in Diamniadio.
The Omani delegation will be headed by Eng Khalfan bin Saleh al Naabi, Member of OOC Board of Directors. The delegation also includes Saheem bin Khalaf al Subhi as administrator, Nada bint Mohammed al Zadjali as physiotherapist, Adil bin Ibrahim al Balushi as journalist, and Marwan bin Nabil al Yaqoubi as photographer.
The national teams will also be accompanied by Hicham Karchoud as fencing coach, Mohammed Bouguerra as swimming coach, and Adil al Wahibi as taekwondo coach.
OLYMPIC MILESTONE
The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games hold exceptional significance as the first-ever Olympic event to be held on the African continent. The Games are expected to bring together approximately 2,700 athletes representing 206 National Olympic Committees, competing in 25 sports across 151 events, with the support of around 6,000 volunteers.
Competitions will take place across eight sports venues in three host cities, making Dakar 2026 a global sporting event that aims to showcase emerging young talent, promote the values of the Olympic Movement, and strengthen bonds of friendship and communication among young people from around the world.
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