UWW Strengthens Senegal Wrestling Officials Ahead of 2026 Dakar Youth Olympics

PIKINE, Senegal (September 15) -- With the countdown to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games continuing, the Senegalese Wrestling Federation has intensified its preparations by developing qualified technical and administrative personnel.

A six-day capacity-building programme, held at the National Arena in Pikine from August 31 to September 6, brought together 60 technical officials, administrative officials and referees from Senegalese wrestling.

The initiative, organised by the Senegalese Wrestling Federation, aimed to strengthen participants’ knowledge, update their technical and administrative skills and further align national practices with international standards.

The programme was delivered with the support of United World Wrestling experts Celestin PALESCU and Vincent AKA, who shared their international experience and expertise with the Senegalese officials.

The training focused on the latest international technical and administrative requirements, helping participants to improve their understanding of competition procedures and strengthen their ability to operate effectively in an international sporting environment.

For the Senegalese Wrestling Federation, the objective goes beyond the preparation of officials for a single event.

“You have now strengthened your skills," FSL President Ibrahima SENE said during the closing ceremony. "During the Youth Olympic Games, be there for your country. Be available and committed to supporting our athletes and helping them perform.”

For UWW, the development of technical officials, referees and administrators is an essential component of strengthening national federations and creating an environment in which athletes can reach their full potential. Qualified officials contribute not only to the proper running of competitions, but also to the credibility, consistency and professionalism of the sport.

From Dakar 2026 to future

Dakar 2026 will bring together young athletes from across the world and will provide an historic platform for African sport. Senegal will be represented by 139 athletes across 25 sports, while approximately 2,700 young athletes are expected to participate in the Games, scheduled from October 31 to November 13, 2026.

For wrestling, the preparation of officials represents an important part of ensuring that the discipline is ready to take full advantage of this historic opportunity.

The training programme also leaves a legacy that extends beyond Dakar 2026. The knowledge acquired by the 60 participants can be shared within the national wrestling community, contributing to the development of future referees, technical officials and administrators.

By bringing the programme to Senegal with international expertise, UWW seeks to strengthen local capacities while encouraging the sharing of knowledge and experience between wrestling communities.