On November 12, Indian boxers Lairenlakpam Ambekar Meetei and Gunjan scripted history at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, winning gold medals in the men’s 50kg and women’s 48kg categories, respectively
With these victories, India secured its first-ever gold medals in boxing at the Youth Olympic games, as both Indian boxers finished at the top spot on the podium.
Lairenlakpam Ambekar Meetei clinched the men’s 50kg gold with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Ireland’s Kristian Jubani, while Gunjan secured the women’s 48kg title with a dominant 5-0 win over Algeria’s Bouthaina Bensalah.
With this victory, Gunjan became the first Indian woman to win a boxing gold medal at the Youth Olympic Games. Her achievement marked a significant milestone in the history of Indian women’s boxing.
Ajay Singh, President of the Boxing Federation of India, described the achievement as a historic moment for Indian sports. He attributed it to the growing number of talented individuals in the country and the improved development of young boxers.
India had previously won two medals in boxing at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore, with Shiva Thapa claiming silver in the men’s 54kg category and Vikas Krishan securing bronze in the men’s 60kg event. At the 2018 edition, India won three gold medals overall, including two in shooting and one in wrestling.
India concluded its Dakar 2026 campaign with a total of 11 medals, comprising three gold, three silver and five bronze. The boxing triumphs highlighted the country’s growing strength in the sport and the emergence of promising young talent.
