IOC eliminates Hockey, Shooting, Weightlifting from the 2026 Youth Olympics

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board has confirmed the events, and athlete quotas for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games to be held in Dakar, Senegal.

The decision came as a shock for the Indian fans as a few of their most successful sports like Hockey, Shooting, and Weightlifting are not part of this edition of the Youth Olympic Games.

Paris Olympic multi-medalist Manu Bhaker, was one of the find for India from the Youth Olympics as she won a gold medal for India at the previous edition of the games in 2018. Overall, India won 3 Gold, 9 silver, and 1 bronze from that edition.

Dakar 2026 will showcase one discipline from each of the 25 sports on the competition program. Additionally, it will also feature an engagement program that will showcase 10 sports.

List of sports and athlete quotas

The main sports on the completion are: athletics (track and field), aquatics (swimming), archery, badminton, baseball (Baseball5), basketball (3x3), boxing, breaking, cycling (road cycling), equestrian (jumping), fencing, football (futsal), gymnastics (artistic), handball (beach handball), judo, rowing (coastal rowing), rugby (rugby sevens), sailing, skateboarding (street), table tennis, taekwondo, triathlon, volleyball (beach volleyball), wrestling (beach wrestling), and wushu.

In total, the Games will feature 151 events – down from the 241 for the YOG Buenos Aires 2018 – equally split between men and women with 72 events for each, alongside seven mixed-gender events.

For the first time in the history of the Summer YOG, full gender equality will be achieved – not only in the overall athlete quota but also across every sport, discipline, and event.

The total athlete quota for the Games has been set at 2,700. This aligns with the IOC’s commitment to delivering a tailored and efficient program while maintaining the elite nature of the competition.

It will allow the Games to adapt to the local context of Dakar, yet still ensure a competitive platform for young athletes worldwide.

Engagement Program

Meanwhile, sports like: - Canoe-kayak, Golf, Hockey, Karate, Modern Pentathlon, Shooting, Sport climbing, Surfing, Tennis, and Weightlifting, will not feature in the competition program but will be promoted through interactive activities on-site and via digital platforms.

"The Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026 are a testament to collaboration and innovation. The tailored program, developed with the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee and the IFs, ensures a streamlined, impactful event that prioritizes gender equality, meaningful athlete development, and strong ties to the local community. This approach sets the stage for a remarkable celebration of sport and culture." said Karl Stoss, an IOC Member.