Sep 13, Kathmandu - As the countdown to Africa's inaugural Youth Olympic Games begins, a grand celebration marked the arrival of the Olympic torch in Dakar, Senegal, on Saturday.

Hundreds of people gathered at  Place du Souvenir Africain in Dakar for the spectacular event. The festivities featured music and dance, with influential Senegalese women leading a parade carrying the Olympic torch. These women, known as "Lingeer" in Wolof—a term denoting queens or royal women—symbolized strength and pride.

The Youth Olympic Games, scheduled from October 31 to November 13, will see nearly 2,700 young athletes competing across 35 sports in Dakar, Diamniadio, and Sali regions.

Since its inception in Singapore in 2010, the Youth Olympics is a youth-focused version of the Olympic Games, targeting athletes aged 15 to 18. Hosting this event in Senegal is expected to inspire African youth and open new opportunities for young athletes across the continent.

Gassirah Diagne, one of the "Lingeer," expressed her excitement, saying, "This competition will motivate youth across Africa. Senegal is just a gateway to showcase a continent that is progressing and looking toward the future."

Senegalese basketball legend Mame Mady Mbegue also participated in the ceremony, lighting the Olympic cauldron. International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry called it a moment of pride for Senegal and Africa as a whole.

The Olympic torch was handed over from Athens' Panathenaic Stadium in Greece on Thursday. It will travel approximately 3,600 kilometers over the next few days, passing through all 14 regions of Senegal with over 400 torchbearers before returning to Dakar for the opening ceremony.