Name: Senegalese beach wrestling set for Olympic debut in 2026
Uploaded: 2025-11-04T16:29:08.553Z
Duration: 2 min 33 s
Description: Wrestling in Senegal is more than a sport — it’s a national treasure, a symbol of pride and passion. Now, the beach version of this beloved tradition will make its Olympic debut at the 2026 Games in Dakar, igniting excitement and ambition among the country’s youth.

Wrestling in Senegal is more than a sport — it’s a national treasure, a symbol of pride and passion. Now, the beach version of this beloved tradition will make its Olympic debut at the 2026 Games in Dakar, igniting excitement and ambition among the country’s youth.

Dakar

Beach wrestling, a traditional sport in Senegal, is set to debut at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar. The sport, which emphasizes skill, endurance, and technique, is widely practiced along Senegal's shores and holds significant cultural importance.

With over 4,000 licensed wrestlers, wrestling is Senegal's most popular sport, and its champions are regarded as national idols. The inclusion of beach wrestling in the Olympic program is welcomed by local athletes and coaches, who hope that traditional Senegalese wrestling may also gain Olympic recognition in the future.

Senegalese beach wrestling set for Olympic debut in 2026

Along Senegal's shores, an ancient art is practiced over and over, wrestling, a sport of immense skill and a local symbol of power. Three minutes per match and three points to win. In this game of beach wrestling, every move counts. That's according to coach Safiatou, who trains these young wrestlers several times a week. We prepare the youth for endurance and improve their technique. There are so many of them. We also focus on the rules so they learn them properly. We work on every move, spinning, arm throws, burying, leg sweeps, takedowns. All these techniques are practiced. I used to wrestle with my friends in front of my house. The coach noticed me and invited me to training. I immediately liked it. By working hard, I know I can progress and make it in this sport. That's why I love it. In Senegal, wrestling is more than just a sport. It's a way of life. In addition to beach wrestling, it's also practice in its traditional form, a folk wrestling that allows competitors to strike with their hands. With more than 4,000 licensed wrestlers, it's the country's number one sport. And its champions are national idols. Like Maudoulou, the undisputed king of the arenas, who welcomes the inclusion of beach wrestling in next year's Youth Olympic Games. Here in Senegal, we really believe in ourselves, especially when it comes to wrestling, especially beach wrestling. No one can beat us. If the youth work hard, they can perform really well in the competition. Although it's only beach wrestling that currently has an international rulebook, there are hopes that the traditional wrestling will also join the Olympic disciplines one day. The number one goal for future generations is to ensure that this form of wrestling with strikes can one day be practiced at the Olympic Games. Why not? It's a dream. By taking the positive aspects of Olympic wrestling on mats and adapting them, we can incorporate our heritage. An exciting line-up of 35 sports are on the program for Dakar 2026.

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