Rabat – The Moroccan National Olympic Committee (CNOM) has announced the participation of the country in the fourth edition of the Youth Olympic Games, with the country preparing a delegation of young athletes for the competition scheduled to take place from October 31 to November 13 in Senegal.
The Moroccan delegation comprises 15 female athletes, 24 male athletes, and 26 supervisors. The athletes will compete in athletics, beach volleyball, boxing, breaking, cycling, fencing, futsal, artistic gymnastics, judo, beach wrestling, swimming, equestrian sports, skateboarding, taekwondo, triathlon, sailing, and wushu.
Morocco is seeking to improve its results at the competition, building on its performances at the three previous editions. The country has so far collected nine medals, including one gold, five silver, and three bronze.
Morocco’s strongest campaign came at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, where Moroccan athletes won seven medals. Fatima Zahra Abou Fares secured gold in taekwondo, while the delegation added five silver medals and one bronze.
Preparations for Dakar have included training camps in Morocco and abroad, participation in international competitions, and technical, medical, and psychological support coordinated by the CNOM and the relevant national sports federations.
Morocco targets stronger results
The delegation’s participation is part of broader efforts to develop young sporting talent and provide athletes with international experience. Competing against athletes from different countries will offer Moroccan representatives an opportunity to test their abilities on a major international stage.
The CNOM and national federations have worked to prepare the athletes for the demands of the competition, with support intended to help them perform at their best throughout the Games.
Dakar 2026 will be the first edition of the Youth Olympic Games hosted in Africa, marking a significant milestone for the continent’s sporting development.
Approximately 2,700 athletes are expected to compete across 25 sports, with events taking place in Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly.
For Morocco, the Games are an opportunity to strengthen its presence in youth sport and prepare a new generation of athletes for future international competitions.
