Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games: How 'Coach Azou' empowers Senegalese youth through boxing

When Alfred Assane N'Diaye, also known as Coach Azou, called a short-notice training session on a sunny November day, his students didn't hesitate to turn up.

They were excited to return to the gym, a place where they feel like family.

Located at Clos Normand - a cultural space in Dakar, Senegal - the Yakaar Boxing Club welcomes everyone.

"From six years old to... it doesn’t matter, as long as there’s the desire and ability to do the sport! This place is for everyone, from individuals with disabilities to anyone else," said Coach Azou to Olympics.com in an interview conducted one year ago.

Here, the passionate boxing trainer has created a "safe space" where young people from Dakar can, through combat sports, learn discipline, push their limits, embrace collective values… and simply learn about life.

"When you step into this gym, you are safe. Everyone who steps into the gym is made comfortable and is welcomed like family. I pay special attention to everyone, and that’s what makes the difference."

As a specialised educator and boxing coach, Coach Azou also founded Keur Espoir, an organisation that fosters social integration through boxing and educational support.

It was his desire to help Senegalese youth that motivated him to leave France and return to his homeland.

Coach Azou: "Boxing is Life"

Sitting in the centre of the ring, his piercing gaze fixed ahead and sweat glistening on his chest, Coach Azou looks proudly at his boxing club.

When asked about the beginnings of Yakaar Boxing Club, he smiles and recalls a setup that proved to be more challenging than expected.

"Originally, this place was just an empty space, a pétanque court," he revealed.

“We started the work, and it took about six months to set up the building and equip the space. We were in a rush because we had already started activities. There was no roof, no equipment, but we trained anyway, outdoors. Our passion for this sport, for this discipline, meant that even without the right gear, without a comfortable space, we could still work and make something happen."

On the wall, a huge mural featuring boxers in action looms over Coach Azou’s students, inspiring them not to give up, as the intense rhythm of their fists pounds the gym’s punching bags.

Coach Azou values this hardworking atmosphere where everyone gives their all. To him, boxing is more than just a sport; it’s a powerful educational tool.

"Boxing is like life. If I take the example of this gym, in the beginning, it was tough. I was taking hits; it was difficult—left, right."

"I saw what boxing brought to my life, and I realised that boxing could be a tool to reach young people and offer them educational support along the way."

The importance of reaching out to the community

Under Coach Azou’s watchful eye, a sparring match begins.

Two young, inexperienced teens, a boy and a girl, square off, just days after the club’s event, the Yakaar Fight Gala. Their technique is still rough, but their enthusiasm is contagious.

"I’ve always had the desire to come here and do something with the youth. Why? Because every time I came here on vacation, I connected with friends, and over time, those ties grew stronger. I then thought, ‘Why not start an organisation and offer something to young people?’”

Coach Azou took his project directly into the community, sharing his mission and establishing a strong local presence.

"I spent a lot of time in different neighborhoods here in Dakar, in priority areas, in sensitive areas. I didn’t hesitate to go into homes, to talk with families, and to introduce myself to build a relationship of trust.”

Gradually, with introductions from community elders, he was able to connect with young people in need—many of whom had been sidelined by society.

“We offer academic support programs for young people still in school and literacy classes for young people who are illiterate or marginalised.”

Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games: Senegal, a future boxing talent hub?

By staging the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, Senegal is set to make history as the first African country to host an Olympic event.

This is "a huge opportunity," says Coach Azou, who dreams of seeing a Senegalese boxer reach the highest international level.

“When it comes to Senegalese boxing, I believe there's real talent here. If these young people had received strong guidance from the start, I believe they’d already be recognised worldwide,” he says with conviction.

In a country where wrestling is by far the most popular combat sport, boxing still has a long way to go to capture the hearts of Senegalese people. But Coach Azou is ready to embrace the challenge:

“Even if we only have the chance to participate in the qualifying tournament, for me, it’s already a win because we’re just starting out. So if we get to that point, it’s already a victory in my eyes. So here’s to the Youth Olympic Games, and I hope Senegal emerges greater than ever.”