World Boxing is proud to recognise the invaluable support provided by the International Olympic Committee’s Olympic Solidarity Programme in helping young boxers take an important step on their journey towards the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
The World Boxing Futures Cup, held in Bangkok, Thailand, in March 2026, served as the event for athletes seeking selection for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. Attendance at the event was a mandatory eligibility requirement, making participation a crucial milestone for aspiring Youth Olympians.
Through the Olympic Solidarity Programme, National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and their National Federations received funding to ensure that talented young athletes had the opportunity to compete, regardless of financial barriers.
In total, the programme supported:
- 21 National Olympic Committees
- 32 athletes, comprising 22 men and 10 women
- 34 coaches
Financial support of $175,000 covered international travel to Thailand, accommodation and meals, enabling athletes and coaches from across Africa, Asia, Oceania, Europe, and the Americas to attend the World Boxing Futures Cup and compete for the opportunity to progress towards Dakar 2026.
Elise Seignolle, President of the Panamerican Boxing Confederation, who facilitated the support of teams from Honduras, Guatemala, Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago, said “Olympic Solidarity has played a vital role in giving young athletes opportunities that can shape their entire sporting journey. By supporting their preparation and participation, it allows talented boxers from across the Americas to compete on the international stage and continue developing toward their Olympic dreams. We are deeply grateful for this partnership and its lasting impact on the next generation of champions.”
The IOC established six selection principles for Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, including wide continental representation and strong African representation as the host continent. As a result, the selection event has achieved exceptional global diversity, with 79 NOCs represented across the 120 athlete quota places for Dakar 2026.
World Boxing also thanks the participating NOCs, National Federations and coaches whose commitment ensured these young athletes could take part in this important initiative, with several athletes travelling outside of their home countries for the very first time.
The partnership between Olympic Solidarity and World Boxing demonstrates the shared commitment of both organisations to developing the next generation of Olympic boxers and providing meaningful opportunities for young athletes on the Road to Dakar 2026 and beyond.
The NOC’s supported for the participation in the World Boxing Futures Cup include:
| Benin | Botswana | Equatorial Guinea |
| Libya | Mauritius | Namibia |
| Senegal | Gambia | Seychelles |
| Bangladesh | Bhutan | Iraq |
| Lebanon | Guatemala | Honduras |
| Trinidad and Tobago | Venezuela | Lithuania |
| Latvia | Fiji | Tuvalu |
World Boxing are now working with the Olympic Solidarity department of the IOC and members of the African Confederation to facilitate a pre-competition training camp in Senegal for the athletes supported by the programme.
Solomon Desmond Kargbo, President of African Boxing said: “African Boxing is entering a defining moment, which has been made possible with the support of the Olympic Solidarity Program. As we look ahead to the Youth Olympic Games, this momentum gives our athletes crucial preparation and sends a strong message that African boxing is progressing with structure, ambition and purpose.”
The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games will be held in Senegal from 31st October to 13th November with the boxing competition taking place between November 7th and November 12th.