Pau Gasol, a retired NBA legend and Hall of Famer, has been elected as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athlete Representative. He will serve as the new chair, alongside Maya Blotschovska (Poland), Humphrey Kayange (Kenya), and Oluwaseyi Smith (Canada) as vice-chairs. Gasol, previously an IOC member and committee member, will represent athletes' voices in the IOC's highest decision-making bodies. Korean bobsledder Won Yoon-jong, a former Olympian, will also serve as an IOC Athlete Representative alongside Gasol. This marks the third time a Korean has held this position, following Moon Dae-sung and Seung-min Ryu.

The 4th African Youth Games, held in Angola, showcased the commitment of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) to youth development. Over 2,000 athletes from 54 countries participated in 21 sports, with Angola demonstrating dominance in judo. The event also featured anti-doping education led by WADA and athlete engagement initiatives. ANOCA announced significant partnerships with FIFA (50 football pitches), World Aquatics (swimming pools), the International Basketball Federation (3x3 basketball development), and the International Canoe Federation (competition equipment), aiming to democratize access to sport across Africa and serve as a qualifier for Dakar 2026.