The Eritrean National Olympic Committee held a Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games Flame Tour ceremony in Asmara on Saturday, 26 September 2026, bringing together celebrated Olympians, emerging athletes and thousands of spectators.

The celebration connected Eritrea’s sporting achievements with the aspirations of its young athletes. It culminated at Asmara Stadium, where students, young sporting talents and invited guests had gathered from early morning to welcome the flame.

Olympians lead the flame procession

The flame was lit by Olympian Abrar Osman, gold medallist in the boys’ 3,000 metres at the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in Singapore in 2010.

The second flame bearer was Daniel Teklehaimanot, who represented Eritrea in cycling at the London 2012 Olympic Games. He also made history at the 2015 Tour de France as the first African rider to wear the polka-dot jersey.

The procession was accompanied by other distinguished Eritrean Olympians, including Ghirmay Ghebreslassie, Dolshi Tesfu and Nazreth Weldu. Their presence brought a powerful sense of sporting heritage to the occasion.

At Asmara Stadium, approximately 250 male and female flag bearers formed a welcoming corridor. The flag ceremony extended around the track, guiding the flame bearers towards the final stage of the celebration.

Passing the flame to a new generation

At the stadium, Eritrea’s Dakar 2026 cycling and athletics teams received the flame from the senior Olympians. The handover symbolised the passing of experience, inspiration and responsibility to the next generation of athletes.

The cycling team completed a lap of the track before handing over to the athletics team, which continued the relay. Athlete Kanary Teklemaryam and cyclist Sirak Bereket then lit the main ceremonial torch in front of the assembled participants, celebrating the spirit of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.

Grassroots sport at the heart of the celebration

EriNOC held the Flame Tour ceremony alongside the closing ceremony of the Central Regional Administration’s 2026 Grassroots Championship. Bringing the two occasions together was intended to inspire young sporting talents through a festive celebration of Olympic values.

Organised by the Central Regional Administration in partnership with sports federations, the annual grassroots programme serves young athletes aged 12 to 17. This year, approximately 2,436 participants from 16 administrative subzones competed in five disciplines: cycling, football, athletics, volleyball and chess.

Held under the theme “Grassroots for Sport Development,” the two-month programme highlighted the role of local competitions in nurturing the future of Eritrean sport.

A celebration shared by the community

Those attending the closing ceremony included Ambassador Zemede Tekle, Commissioner of Culture and Sports; Mr. Zerit Teweldeberhan, Administrator of the Central Region; and Michael Teklemichael, President of the Eritrean National Olympic Committee.

Subzone administrators, sports officials, invited guests and students from Central Region schools also joined the celebration.

Dakar 2026 posters, brochures and specially produced shirts were distributed to participants, adding colour to the event and helping communicate Olympic values. The ceremony brought together the achievements of Eritrea’s Olympians and the ambitions of its young athletes in a shared celebration of sport.