The second edition of the Panda Tournament closed yesterday, Sunday January 11, 2026, at the Léopold Sédar Senghor stadium. A ceremony rich in symbols, in the presence of the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, HE Mr. Li Zhigang, highlighted the vitality of the China-Senegal partnership, on the eve of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG).
The final and closing ceremony of the second edition of the Panda Tournament highlighted, during two days of intense competition (Saturday January 10 and Sunday January 11, 2026), the rise of Senegalese badminton and the role of sport as a diplomatic bridge between Senegal and China. Organized by the Senegalese Badminton Federation (FSEB), in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Senegal, this meeting was held under the sign of friendship, youth and dialogue of cultures.
Highlight of the ceremony, the winners of the badminton finals received their trophies and distinctions, to the applause of an audience made up of officials, sports leaders, athletes and Chinese and Senegalese partners. A consecration which rewards the commitment of clubs and young talents, a few months before the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Dakar 2026.
In his speech, the president of the Senegalese Badminton Federation, Antoine Jean Joseph Diandy, praised the excellence of cooperation with China, while recalling the ambition of the FSEB to sustainably structure racket sports in Senegal. He thus pleaded for the creation of a “temple of racket sports”, intended for badminton and table tennis, in order to provide athletes with modern infrastructure meeting international standards.
Speaking in turn, the general coordinator of the YOG Dakar 2026, Ibrahima Wade, underlined the strategic importance of the Sino-Senegalese partnership in the success of this historic event for Africa. He recalled that China granted Senegal a major contribution estimated at one billion CFA francs, in particular through the donation of more than 13,000 sports equipment, constituting a tangible legacy for the national federations.
Beyond infrastructure, Mr. Wade highlighted Chinese support in the digital transformation of the Games, thanks to the partnership with “Alibaba Cloud”, as well as the training and internship programs which have enabled many young Senegalese to benefit from a transfer of skills to China, in the fields of sport, technology and event organization.
Present at the ceremony, HE Mr. Li Zhigang, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Senegal, hailed the Panda Tournament as a true space for sports diplomacy and fraternity between peoples. He recalled that the year 2026 was declared “Year of China-Africa human and cultural exchanges”, an initiative that concerns the entire African continent and aims to strengthen ties between Chinese and African youth.
In this cultural dynamic, the ambassador announced the upcoming arrival in Senegal of a Chinese choreography team, called to collaborate with Senegalese artists, particularly as part of the preparations for the Dakar-2026 YOG ceremonies.
More than just a tournament, the second edition of the Panda Tournament thus established itself as a prelude to the Youth Olympic Games, while illustrating the depth and diversity of China-Senegal cooperation. A partnership based on sport, culture, training and innovation, serving African youth focused on excellence and openness to the world.
LAMINE DIEDHIOU
