Souleymane Gaye, Torch-Bearer for Dakar 2026
Souleymane Gaye, a Torch-Bearer for Dakar 2026: A Proud Moment for African Karate
The African Karate Union (UFAK) is proud to highlight the official recognition of its President, Mr Souleymane Gaye, who has been selected as a torch-bearer for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
This distinction represents an important moment not only for President Gaye personally, but also for African karate and the wider karate community. His participation in the Olympic Torch Relay places the leadership of African karate within a major Olympic event taking place on African soil for the first time.
The selection of Souleymane Gaye reflects his longstanding involvement in sport in Senegal and his commitment to the development of karate at national, continental and international levels. As President of UFAK and a member of the World Karate Federation (WKF) Executive Committee, he has contributed to strengthening the position of African karate and its connections with the wider sporting and Olympic community.
The occasion also carries particular significance as the international karate community continues to work collectively to strengthen the sport's place within the Olympic Movement. The presence of the UFAK President in the Dakar 2026 Olympic Torch Relay provides an important opportunity to highlight the values, contribution and visibility of karate within African sport.
For UFAK, this moment is a celebration of the entire African karate family — National Federations, athletes, coaches, referees, officials and administrators whose daily work contributes to the development of the sport across the continent.
UFAK warmly congratulates President Souleymane Gaye on this distinguished honour and on his participation in the Dakar 2026 Olympic Torch Relay.
The World Karate Federation has published a dedicated article highlighting this significant moment and the contribution of President Gaye to karate in Senegal and across Africa.
Read the full article published by the WKF:
“UFAK President Souleymane Gaye Selected as Torch Bearer for Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.”
