Dakar:Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports and Vice President of the UAE National Olympic Committee, represented President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the opening ceremony of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
According to Wam, the ceremony was held at Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in Diamniadio, near Dakar, Senegal's capital. Dr. Al Falasi emphasized the significance of the UAE's participation in the event, stating that it offers young athletes a platform to gain international competitive experience, evaluate their technical skills, and identify areas for improvement in preparation for future competitions.
He further explained that the Ministry of Sports, in collaboration with the UAE National Olympic Committee and various sports federations, is executing the National Sports Strategy 2031. This strategy aims to expand the talent pool and enhance the identification, development, and training of athletes from an early age to prepare them for international competitions.
Dr. Al Falasi also acknowledged the accomplishments of young Emirati athletes at the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain last year, underscoring the importance of building on these achievements to cultivate a generation capable of competing at both continental and Olympic levels. The UAE is participating in the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games with a contingent of 12 athletes, including seven males and five females, competing in nine different sports.