The newly upgraded Leopold Sedar Senghor Stadium in Dakar, Senegal, has made its grand debut as the venue for the 2025 IAAF World Challenge Dakar. The stadium welcomed 160 top athletes from around the globe, who competed in thrilling displays of speed and strength.

Originally built in the 1980s with Chinese support, the Leopold Sedar Senghor Stadium has long been a central landmark in Senegal's sports and cultural landscape. However, after four decades of wear and tear, the stadium faced growing challenges, including rusted steel structures, outdated facilities, and declining functionality. In 2022, China launched the rehabilitation works on four Senegalese stadiums, with Leopold Sedar Senghor Stadium among them. The fully upgraded stadium was officially handed over to the Senegalese side in April 2025.

With its modern architecture and advanced facilities, the revamped stadium now features a world-class track certified by World Athletics, offering athletes top-tier conditions for competition. At the handover ceremony, Khady Diene Gaye, Senegal's Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture said, this stadium stands as a lasting testament to the enduring friendship between Senegal and China.