By Zakaria Soohoyde - Reporter
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DAKAR, 1 November 2026 Somalia's flag featured among participating nations at the opening ceremony of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games on Saturday, the first Olympic sporting event hosted on African soil.
The ceremony was held at the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in Diamniadio, Senegal. The Games, running from October 31 to November 13, have brought together about 2,700 athletes aged 14 to 17 from across the world, competing in 25 disciplines with 153 medal events.
Somalia is represented by 17-year-old boxer Hassan Anwar, who is competing in the 50-kilogram category.
Anwar grew up and began his boxing journey in Mogadishu before getting the opportunity to represent Somalia internationally.
Speaking to Dawan, the young boxer said participating was an achievement in itself, regardless of the result.
"I'm leaving tomorrow to take part in the Games. Once I enter the competition, I will be content whether I win or lose," Anwar said.
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His coach, Mohamed Ahmed Abdullahi, said the boxer was ready following an extended period of training and preparation.
The coach said their objective was to demonstrate the ability and potential of Somali athletes against international competitors.
"We will show people who we are," said Abdullahi, who has been training Anwar at Mecca Gym, located on Fourth Street in Nairobi's Eastleigh neighbourhood.
Asked whether there were opponents they hoped to avoid in early rounds, the coach said a true boxer should not be afraid of facing any opponent.
Anwar's participation represents an important opportunity for Somalia's young sporting talent to gain international exposure and raise the country's profile in global sports.