The milestone also marks Beach Wrestling’s first appearance at any Olympic Games and takes place at the first Olympic event ever hosted on African soil.

In Senegal, where wrestling is deeply rooted in the country's sporting culture, the competition carries particular significance. A total of 96 young athletes from 52 countries across five continents will take to the sand, including representatives from 13 African nations. For host nation Senegal, the Games offer a special opportunity to showcase its young wrestling talent on the Olympic stage.

The Beach Wrestling competition features four weight categories for women and four for men, with the action spread across two days:

November 7
Women: 55kg and 75kg
Men: 60kg and 80kg

November 8
Women: 45kg and 65kg
Men: 70kg and 90kg

The competition can be watched live from November 7, 10:30 am local time. 

A new generation, a new chapter
Beyond the medals, Dakar 2026 represents an important moment for the future of Beach Wrestling. The young athletes competing in Senegal are part of a new generation bringing the sport to an Olympic audience for the first time. Their performances will introduce Beach Wrestling to new fans and further strengthen its international profile.

For those discovering the sport in Dakar, the Beach Wrestling World Series offers the opportunity to continue following the action at senior level. Bringing together established champions and emerging talents at international destinations, the series provides a platform for the sport's next chapter beyond the Youth Olympic Games.

As Beach Wrestling makes its historic Olympic debut, Dakar becomes the starting point for a new generation — and a new chapter in the sport's global journey.