Ariana Radio and Television Network (ATN) has secured the exclusive television and digital media rights to broadcast the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games across Afghanistan, bringing one of the world’s biggest international youth sporting events to audiences nationwide.

The Games will take place from October 31 to November 13 in Senegal, marking a historic milestone as the first Olympic event to be hosted on African soil.

The agreement positions ATN as the exclusive broadcaster of the event in Afghanistan, giving viewers across the country the opportunity to follow the next generation of international sporting talent as young athletes compete on the Olympic stage.

The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games will bring together approximately 2,700 athletes from more than 200 National Olympic Committees, with competitions staged across Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.

The programme will feature 25 competition sports and 153 medal events, alongside additional sports and activities designed to encourage youth participation, cultural exchange and engagement through sport.

Athletes will compete in a wide range of disciplines, including athletics, swimming, basketball, boxing, gymnastics, cycling, wrestling, judo, fencing, rugby sevens and beach volleyball, showcasing emerging talent from across the world.

Held under the motto “Africa Welcomes, Dakar Celebrates,” the Games represent a landmark moment for both the Olympic movement and the African continent, placing Senegal at the centre of an international celebration of youth, sporting excellence and cultural diversity.

Afghanistan’s national under-18 futsal team has already arrived in Dakar, Senegal, ahead of the Games and according to the Afghanistan Football Federation, the team will hold a six-day training camp ahead of the competition.

For Afghanistan, ATN’s exclusive broadcast agreement will provide a national platform for audiences to engage with the competition and follow the achievements of young athletes from around the globe.

The Games also offer an opportunity to highlight the role of sport in bringing communities together, inspiring young people and promoting international understanding.

With television and digital media coverage secured, ATN will bring the excitement of Dakar 2026 to audiences across Afghanistan, extending access to an event that combines elite competition with the Olympic values of friendship, respect and excellence.

The agreement forms part of ATN’s ongoing commitment to bringing world-class sporting events to Afghan viewers, ensuring audiences across the country have access to major international competitions and the opportunity to follow the world’s leading sporting talent.

Through its television and digital platforms, ATN continues to expand its sports coverage, connect Afghan audiences with the global sporting community and inspire a new generation of young people through the power of sport.

The opening ceremony is scheduled for October 31, with the Games running through November 13.

Fans are encouraged to follow ATN’s social media pages for updates, information and schedules of this exciting event.

Afghanistan’s U-15 national football team advanced to Tier C of the 2026 FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival after finishing third in their six-team group with a 3-1 victory over Sudan in their final group-stage match.

The win marked Afghanistan’s third victory in the competition, following earlier wins over Sierra Leone and Djibouti.

Group winners Russia and runners-up Turkey will compete in Tiers A and B, respectively, while Afghanistan will compete in Tier C for positions 65th to 96th in the overall standings.

The tournament’s next stage will follow a knockout format, with all 189 participating teams competing to determine their final positions. The competition is scheduled to conclude on October 30.

Azerbaijan is hosting the 2026 FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival.