# Dakar Youth Games test waters for Russia’s comeback

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/dakar-youth-games-test-waters-for-russias-comeback/
- Published: 2026-11-12T07:05:05+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-12T07:21:54+00:00
- Original publisher: CNA (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/dakar-youth-games-test-waters-russias-comeback-6545306
- Topics: Europe, World

## Key points

- Russia’s anthem played at the Dakar Youth Olympics.
- Thirteen Russian athletes are competing across nine sports.
- The IOC has yet to decide on Russia’s status at LA 2028.

## Summary

Russia’s anthem played at the Dakar Youth Olympics after Russian athletes won medals, offering a visible sign of the country’s gradual return to international sport. The Games are a test of how audiences and sports officials respond as the International Olympic Committee considers what access Russian athletes should have.

Thirteen Russians are competing in nine sports, including swimming, judo and skateboarding. Swimmer Serafima Fokina won gold in the 100-metre butterfly and later the 50-metre butterfly; the IOC has provisionally lifted its suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, but has yet to decide whether Russia may use its flag and anthem at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Some European federations oppose competition with Russian teams, while rules vary by sport, and a July survey found 83 per cent of young Africans who viewed Russia as influential saw that influence positively.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.