Dakar:Team Qatar's young athletes concluded their participation in the fourth Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026 by attending the closing ceremony at the Youth Olympic Village in Diamniadio on Friday. Idris Abu Bakr had the honor of carrying the national flag during the ceremony, representing the Qatari delegation.
According to Qatar News Agency, the closing ceremony celebrated the spirit of the Games with a colorful blend of sport, culture, and artistic performances, emphasizing the richness of African identity and the continent's diverse cultural heritage. The event was attended by prominent sports leaders and officials, and featured speeches by the President of the Dakar 2026 Organizing Committee and IOC President Kirsty Coventry. The ceremony included the extinguishing of the Youth Olympic flame and various musical performances.
In the sporting competitions, Team Qatar's athletes demonstrated promising potential and competitive spirit. Dana Salem secured a bronze medal in the 100m race, while Idris Abu Bakr achieved a personal best of 13.96 seconds, finishing sixth in the 110m hurdles. In swimming, Adam Morsi reached the final of the 200m breaststroke, setting a new Qatari senior-category record with a time of 217.7. Additionally, Adham Al-Deeb advanced to the quarter-finals in the foil fencing competition.
Naji Al Amari, Head of the Qatar Delegation, emphasized the broader value of participating in the Youth Olympic Games, noting that it provides young athletes with valuable experiences and opportunities to develop their personalities and enhance their competitive skills. He commended the young athletes for their commitment and sportsmanship and expressed confidence that their experience in Dakar would further motivate them for future Olympic challenges.
Qatar was represented by four athletes across three sports swimming, athletics, and fencing. The Games, organized by the International Olympic Committee, attracted approximately 2,700 athletes from around the world, competing in 25 sports with 153 medal events. Senegal made history as the first African nation to host the Youth Olympic Games, creating new opportunities for the Olympic Movement across the continent.
Source Qatar News Agency