DAKAR, Senegal: Oman’s athletes are gearing up for the fourth edition of the Youth Olympic Games, Dakar 2026, which will be held in Senegal from October 31 to November 13. Represented by the Oman Olympic Committee (OOC), the Sultanate of Oman will compete in fencing, aquatics and taekwondo.
Dakar 2026 marks the first Olympic event to be staged on African soil. Around 2,700 athletes representing 206 National Olympic Committees are expected to compete in 25 sports across 151 medal events, supported by approximately 6,000 volunteers at eight sports venues across three host cities. The Games aim to promote Olympic values, showcase emerging talent and foster cultural exchange among young people.
Young swimmer Hamed al Hasani will lead Oman’s campaign, making his Olympic debut in the men’s 400m and 800m freestyle events on November 1 and 3, respectively, at the Tour de l’Œuf swimming complex in Dakar.
Taekwondo athlete Ziyad bin Ali al Balushi will compete in the men’s under-48 kg category on November 8 at the Iba Mar Diop complex. Fencer Jana al Sharji will conclude Oman’s participation in the women’s individual épée event on November 10 at Dakar Expo in Diamniadio. Al Sharji recently won silver at the World Fencing Championships in Costa Rica.
LOGISTICAL ARRANGEMENTS COMPLETED
Saheem bin Khalaf al Subhi, Acting Chief de Mission of Oman’s delegation to Dakar 2026, confirmed that all logistical, administrative and organisational arrangements had been completed to receive the national team athletes.
“Over the past few days, since our arrival in Dakar, we have completed all the necessary procedures for accommodating the national teams in the Olympic Village,” Al Subhi said.
He said the third meeting of delegation heads addressed registration, reception arrangements, transportation to competition venues and the readiness of sports facilities. Coordination with national team representatives also covered distances between the venues and the Olympic Village to facilitate transport and scheduling.
The meeting further discussed opening ceremony arrangements, including delegation attendance and the required documentation for the flag-bearer. Al Subhi stressed that all delegation members must carry their accreditation cards throughout the Games.
The opening ceremony is scheduled for October 31 at Abdoulaye Wade Stadium.
OMAN'S YOUTH OLYMPIC GAMES HISTORY
Oman made its Youth Olympic Games debut at the inaugural edition in Singapore in 2010, sending two athletes in athletics and equestrian sport. Equestrian Sultan al Tooqi won silver in the mixed-team show jumping competition, partnering riders from other countries. However, the medal does not count towards Oman’s official national tally as it was won by a mixed team rather than an exclusively Omani team.
At the 2014 Games in Nanjing, China, Oman was represented by three athletes — two boys and one girl — competing in athletics and beach volleyball.
Oman continued its participation at the 2018 edition in Buenos Aires, Argentina, competing in sailing and athletics. Sprinter Ali al Balushi qualified through the Asian qualifying championships, reached the final of his event and finished sixth, setting a personal best.
As Oman prepares for its fourth appearance in Dakar, the focus will be on building on the experience gained at previous editions, improving competitive performances and providing the country’s young athletes with valuable international exposure.
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