AKIPRESS.COM - The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has convened a roundtable meeting of the National Olympic Committees that had submitted candidacies to host the Youth Olympic Games in their countries.

The meeting was attended by representatives from over ten countries, including Mongolia. Minister of Culture of Mongolia Ch. Nomin and President of the National Olympic Committee of Mongolia Batbold Battushig participated in the meeting. They confirmed Mongolia's candidacy to host the Youth Olympic Games and made a brief presentation. Mongolia announced its candidacy to host the 2030 and 2034 Summer Youth Olympic Games and the 2027 IOC Session during the 141st IOC Session held in Mumbai, India, in 2023.

The Youth Olympic Games, open to athletes aged 15 to 18, were first held in Singapore in 2010. The IOC adheres to a policy of organizing the Youth Olympic Games with long-term investments in infrastructure, education, and personal development for youth, prioritizing sustainable development over solely sports competition.

The 2026 Summer Youth Olympics will be held in Dakar, the capital of Senegal, from October 31 to November 13, 2026. More than 5,000 athletes are expected to compete in 244 events across 35 sports. This will be the first Olympic Games to take place in Africa.