The International Olympic Committee (IOC) postponed the 2022 Dakar Youth Olympics by four years on Wednesday. The IOC made the decision in further fallout from delaying the Tokyo Olympics to 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
It was to be Africa’s very first Olympic as a host.
IOC President Thomas Bach said that they had discussed the issue with Senegal President Macky Sall. In a news conference, Bach dismissed the suggestion of a four-year postponement for Tokyo 2020.
“The situations cannot be compared in any way,” the IOC leader said. “We are and we remain fully committed to celebrate Tokyo 2020 next year in July and August.”
He also highlighted the financial and organisational strain on governing and Olympic bodies due to the pandemic. The IOC has donated around $100 million in loans and donations to distribute to help sports bodies through the financial stress.
Africa will now have to wait until 2026 for its first Olympics as a host. Beijing will host the Winter Olympics in February 2022.