The President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Kirsty Coventry, has encouraged young athletes at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games after visiting the table tennis competition venue in Diamniadio, Senegal.
Coventry, who is the first woman and first African to lead the IOC, interacted with players, officials and volunteers during her tour of the Games venues, which have brought together more than 2,000 young athletes from across the world.
The IOC president described the Youth Olympic Games as a celebration of Africa and its growing influence in global sport, while highlighting the importance of creating opportunities for the next generation of athletes.
One of the major highlights of her visit was her appearance at the Expo Centre in Diamniadio, where she watched table tennis matches and met several prominent figures in the sport.
She was accompanied by International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) President Petra Sörling and other members of the world governing body’s executive team.
Also present were China’s Olympic champion Ding Ning, Chair of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Athletes’ Commission and liaison to the IOC Athletes’ Commission; Nigeria‘s Olufunke Oshonaike, a member of the IOC Athletes’ Commission and the first African woman to compete at seven Olympic Games; Egypt‘s Dina Meshref, a Dakar 2026 Athlete Role Model; and seven-time Olympian Jean-Michel Saive.
Coventry takes to the table with young playersAfter watching the matches, Coventry joined some of the young players for a friendly rally, picking up a racket and taking part in the action.
She also shared experiences from her own Olympic career, offering the aspiring players an opportunity to learn from her journey and interact with one of the most influential figures in world sport.
Her engagement provided the young competitors with an opportunity to connect with an Olympic champion and gain insights into the dedication required to succeed at the highest level.
IOC president highlights Africa’s growing sporting influenceCoventry’s visit formed part of a wider tour of the Games venues, where she met athletes, officials and volunteers, inspected competition and training facilities, and received updates on sports including taekwondo and triathlon.
She described Dakar 2026 as a celebration of Africa and its growing role in global sport, reflecting the significance of hosting the first Youth Olympic Games on the continent.
The fourth edition of the Youth Olympic Games is taking place in Dakar, Senegal, bringing together young athletes in a celebration of sporting excellence, cultural exchange and international friendship.