"VAN" (Sports Desk - 29.10.2026) :: With just one week remaining until 4 November 2026, excitement for hockey is building in Senegal as the countdown begins for the official Hockey Focus Day at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
Taking centre stage at the vibrant Place du Souvenir in Dakar, Hockey5s is playing a dynamic new role at this edition of the Games. As one of ten featured engagement sports, the fast-paced format is delivering hands-on initiation, lively demonstrations, and grassroots coaching directly to thousands of young fans, school groups, and visitors across Senegal.
Reflecting on the milestone, FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: "Dakar 2026 marks a historic milestone as the first Olympic sporting event ever to be hosted on African soil. On behalf of the global hockey community, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Senegal and Dakar for this remarkable achievement.
The Olympic movement is founded on unity, hope, and the inspiration of future generations. Presenting our dynamic and innovative sport, in its Hockey5s format, perfectly embodies this mission.
By providing young people with their very first introduction to hockey in such an energetic and inclusive environment, and with our fantastic Athlete Role Model Darcy Bourne on site, we are not only planting seeds for the future of hockey across Africa but also empowering youth through the transformative values of sport.
This event will act as a catalyst for grassroots hockey development in Africa, accelerating the sport’s growth among young people across the continent.”
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