Türkiye competes in Dakar Youth Olympics with 34 athletes as embassy backs team

The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, Africa’s first Olympic event, opened with a ceremony at Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in Diamniadio. Türkiye’s embassy in Dakar attended the opening ceremony in support of the Turkish delegation, which includes 34 athletes.

Türkiye’s embassy in Dakar attended the opening ceremony of the fourth Summer Youth Olympic Games, Dakar 2026, hosted by Senegal, on Saturday evening. The embassy said it had taken part in the ceremony “with its entire staff,” stressing that it had not left the Turkish athletes alone.

In a statement in Turkish and French, the embassy wished all Turkish athletes “a successful Olympic journey filled with medals.” Photos released by the embassy showed a large Turkish flag being raised in the stadium stands, which were illuminated by light displays and smoke effects.

Participants raise the Turkish flag in the stands of Abdoulaye Wade Stadium during the opening of Dakar 2026

Berin Başaran and Görkem Uçal carry the Turkish flag

According to a statement from the Turkish National Olympic Committee, Turkish swimmer Berin Başaran and Turkish table tennis player Görkem Uçal carried the Turkish flag during the athletes’ parade. Ambassador Dilşad Kırbaşlı Karaoğlu visited the delegation in the Olympic Village before the Games began and wished the athletes success.

Turkish athletes carry the Turkish flag during the athletes’ parade at the opening of Dakar 2026 (Turkish Olympic Committee)

Thirty-four Turkish athletes compete in 16 sports

Anadolu Agency reported that Türkiye is participating in Dakar 2026 with 34 athletes, including 14 women and 20 men. The Turkish athletes are competing in athletics, badminton, Baseball5, boxing, gymnastics, fencing, judo, rowing, table tennis, shooting, taekwondo, triathlon, beach volleyball, sailing, swimming and wushu.

The Games will continue until November 13 after opening with performances of traditional Senegalese music and dance at Abdoulaye Wade Stadium, about 35 kilometers from the capital Dakar. A total of 2,655 athletes aged 14 to 17, representing 204 countries and the Olympic Refugee Team, are competing at venues in Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.

Türkiye competes in Dakar Youth Olympics with 34 athletes as embassy backs team