Luanda: The African Youth Games, set to take place from December 10 to 20 in Luanda and Bengo provinces, will mark a milestone in Angola's history as the largest multi-sport event organized by the nation. The event promises to surpass previous participation records for multi-disciplinary events in the country.

According to Angola Press News Agency, the Organizing Committee of the African Youth Games (JAJ) announced that the event will see participation from 54 African countries, featuring 2,100 athletes competing across 23 sports disciplines in Luanda and Bengo. This marks a significant increase from the previous record held by the second Central African Games in 1981, which featured eight sports and 12 countries.

Gustavo da Concei§o, a member of JAJ, highlighted these details during the IV consultation meeting organized by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Rui Falco, and the national press. He emphasized the participatory management approach adopted since his appointment in 2024. Concei§o also confirmed the opening ceremony is scheduled for December 13 at either the Kilamba Pavilion or the 11 de Novembro Stadium, despite the event commencing on December 10.

The continental event will be attended by Kirsty Coventry, the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and a former Zimbabwean swimmer. Coventry, who took office last June, is noted for being the first woman and the first African to lead the IOC.