Excitement Builds for Dakar 2026
The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games are set to kick-off on Saturday, October 31, marking a significant milestone as the first Olympic event held on African soil. Team GB is proudly represented by 16 athletes across seven sports, including three talented boxers: Lily Bassett, Jaya Kalsi, and Michael Maughan.
Young Athletes Shaping Their Futures
Both Lily, 16, and Michael, 17, were among the initial selections for Team GB back in June, with Jaya, also 17, joining the team in early October. All three kick-started their boxing journeys through the England Performance Pathway, ultimately leading them to this prestigious international stage.
“It’s an incredible opportunity,” said one of the athletes. “We’re excited to represent our country and compete with the best youth athletes in the world.”
Boxing at the Youth Olympics
Boxing has been a fundamental part of the Summer Youth Olympic Games since their inception in Singapore in 2010. The competition in Dakar will showcase 116 boxers hailing from 77 different National Olympic Committees, with 57 male and 59 female athletes ready to battle for medals.
The boxing events are scheduled to commence on November 7, with medal matches occurring on November 12. The weight categories to be contested include:
- Women: 48kg, 51kg, 54kg, 57kg, and 60kg.
- Men: 50kg, 55kg, 60kg, 65kg, and 70kg.
Venue and Experience
All boxing competitions will take place at the Dakar Expo Centre, conveniently located near the Olympic Village in Diamniadio. Athletes will have the chance to engage with competitors from various sports and participate in enriching cultural and educational programs.
Time-wise, Dakar operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), ensuring no significant time difference for viewers in the UK during the event.
Future Challenges and Support
While the official draw for the boxing matches is yet to be held, early quota allocations released by World Boxing in July hint at the potential opponents for the Team GB trio. Final brackets will become clearer following the official draw.
In addition to live updates from the boxing events, viewers can explore comprehensive coverage of all seven sports during the Games via the Olympic Channel. Updates will also be shared on England Boxing’s social media platforms, ensuring fans can follow every moment from the ring.
A Truly Global Celebration
The Dakar 2026 Games will bring together approximately 2,700 young athletes from 206 National Olympic Committees, competing across a total of 35 sports that feature 153 medal events. Additionally, this event will see the debut of the Refugee Youth Olympic Team, reinforcing the Olympic movement’s ongoing commitment to supporting refugees through sport.
The Games promise a wealth of excitement, highlighted by 73 medal events for both men and women, along with seven mixed events, underscoring a strong commitment to gender equality.
As part of its unique tradition, the Olympic Flame, which was lit in Athens on September 10, 2023, reached Dakar on September 12 before touring all 14 regions of Senegal. The flame will be ceremoniously lit at the opening ceremony, heralding the start of this historic event.
