Israel to Send 11 Athletes to 2026 Youth Olympics in Dakar

Eleven Israeli athletes, five female and six male, will represent Israel at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, competing across eight sports. This marks a historic first for Israel, as it will be represented in boxing and fencing for the first time in the Games' history. The Olympic Committee of Israel's management convened to approve the delegation's composition and appoint Itamar Cohen (Judo) and Ofir Simcha (Swimming) as flag bearers. The meeting also included a moment of remembrance for Omer Naotara, who was killed on October 7th.

The delegation participated in a preparatory meeting that included team building, an overview of the Games, and professional sessions on topics such as medicine, social media, and international relations. Attendees included Yael Arad, Chairwoman of the Olympic Committee of Israel, Adi Bichman, the committee's Director General, and Yuval Wox, the outgoing Israeli Ambassador to Senegal.

The Games, scheduled from October 31 to November 13, 2026, are significant as they will be the first Olympic event held on the African continent. Approximately 2,700 athletes from 207 delegations are expected to participate, alongside 6,000 volunteers, in 151 medal events. The Israeli contingent will compete over 11 days in sports including boxing, athletics, judo, gymnastics, fencing, archery, swimming, and sailing.

Yarden Har Lev will lead the delegation as Deputy Director General for Education and External Relations, accompanied by Yarden Heruti (Professional Manager), Yeniv Ashkenazi (Manager of the Association for Support), Dr. Idit Shuv (Team Doctor), physiotherapists Yariv Shapira and Liat Kogon, and photographer Oded Karni. For these young athletes, participation represents the culmination of extensive training and a valuable opportunity to gain experience on the Olympic stage and proudly represent Israel.

Adi Bichman, Director General of the Olympic Committee of Israel, expressed pride in the "young and quality delegation, representing the future generation of Israeli sport." She added, "For our athletes, this is a first opportunity to be part of the Olympic stage, to compete against the best in the world and proudly wear the Israeli uniform. We believe in them, in the professional path they have taken, and in their ability to perform at the crucial moment, and represent Israel with great pride on the international stage."