New Delhi, November 13, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Indian boxers Gunjan and L Ambekar Meetei scripted history at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, on Thursday, winning gold medals in their respective categories to give India its first-ever boxing gold medals at the competition.
Gunjan triumphed in the women’s 48kg category, while Ambekar Meetei claimed the men’s 50kg title. Their victories also marked India’s first two gold medals at the Dakar edition and ensured that the country’s two-member boxing contingent returned with a perfect 100 per cent medal record.
Ambekar Meetei began India’s gold-winning run with a closely contested 3-2 victory over Ireland’s Jubani Kristian in the men’s 50kg final. Gunjan followed with a commanding performance against Algeria’s Bensalah Bouthaina, dominating all three rounds to secure a unanimous 5-0 decision in the women’s 48kg final.
The double triumph marked a significant milestone for Indian boxing at the Youth Olympics. Before the Dakar edition, India had secured two boxing medals at the 2010 Youth Olympics in Singapore, where Shiva Thapa won silver in the men’s 54kg category and Vikas Krishan claimed bronze in the 60kg event.
Boxing Federation of India president Ajay Singh described the achievement as a historic moment for the sport, noting that the two victories had also opened India’s gold medal account at Dakar 2026.
He said the results reflected the growing depth of talent in Indian boxing and the progress made in developing young athletes across age groups and international competitions.
Singh added that the focus would be on helping emerging champions make a successful transition to senior-level boxing and become world-class competitors. He congratulated both boxers for their historic performances.
India had won three gold medals at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games, with two coming in shooting and one in wrestling.
Following the boxing victories, India’s medal tally at Dakar stood at two gold, three silver and five bronze medals, lifting the country from 58th to 16th position in the standings.
The achievement adds to India’s growing record in international boxing, with its pugilists having won medals at major multi-sport events, including the Olympic Games, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, as well as at Asian and World Championships.
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