Team Qatar Ends Dakar 2026 Campaign with Valuable Olympic Experience

Team Qatar's young athletes brought their participation in the fourth Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026 to a close by attending the Games' closing ceremony at the Youth Olympic Village in Diamniadio on Friday. Qatar's Idris Abu Bakr carried the national flag during the ceremony, representing the Qatari delegation at the event. The closing ceremony celebrated the spirit of the Games through a colorful blend of sport, culture and artistic performances, highlighting the richness of African identity and the continent's diverse cultural heritage.

A number of prominent figures, sports leaders and officials from around the world attended the ceremony, which included addresses by the President of the Dakar 2026 Organizing Committee and IOC President Kirsty Coventry. The ceremony was attended exclusively by athletes and accredited delegations and featured the extinguishing of the Youth Olympic flame, as well as a series of musical performances. In the sporting competitions, Team Qatar's young athletes concluded their campaign with solid performances that reflected their promising potential and competitive spirit.

Dana Salem won the bronze medal in the 100m, while Idris Abu Bakr finished sixth in the 110m hurdles, setting a new personal best of 13.96 seconds. In swimming, Adam Morsi reached the final of the 200m breaststroke, setting a new Qatari senior-category record with a time of 2:17.7. Meanwhile, Adham Al-Deeb advanced to the quarter-finals of the foil fencing competition.

Naji Al Amari, Head of the Qatar Delegation to Dakar 2026, highlighted the broader value of the Games, saying: "Participation in the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026 is about much more than results and rankings. It offers young athletes valuable Olympic experiences and opportunities to compete alongside athletes from around the world, helping develop their personalities and enhance their competitive capabilities." He praised the young Qatari athletes for their commitment, sportsmanship and determination, noting that they had represented Qatari sport and youth in a positive manner.

He also expressed confidence that the experience gained in Dakar would encourage them to pursue further development and prepare for future sporting and Olympic challenges. Qatar was represented by four athletes across three sports. Adam Morsy competed in swimming, Dana Salem and Idris Abu Bakr took part in athletics, and Adham Al Deeb represented the country in fencing.

The Games attracted approximately 2,700 athletes from around the world, who competed in 25 sports featuring 153 medal events. A further 10 interactive sports were included in the program without medal awards. Competitions and activities were held over 15 days across Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.

Organized by the International Olympic Committee, Dakar 2026 brought together athletes aged 15 to 17. The event marked a historic milestone for Senegal, which became the first African nation to host the Youth Olympic Games, creating new opportunities for the Olympic Movement across the continent.

Source: QNA

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