Indian boxers Lairenlakpam Ambekar Meetei and Gunjan scripted history at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal on November 12, winning gold medals in the men’s 50kg and women’s 48kg categories, respectively. Ambekar defeated Ireland’s Kristian Jubani 3-2 in a closely contested final, becoming India’s first-ever Youth Olympic boxing champion.
Gunjan defeated Algeria’s Bouthaina Bensalah 5-0, becoming the first Indian woman to win a boxing gold medal at the competition. Their victories marked India’s first two boxing gold medals in Youth Olympic Games history and gave the country’s two-member boxing contingent a 100 per cent gold medal record.
Ambekar’s Early Journey
Seventeen-year-old Lairenlakpam Ambekar Meetei hails from Lamlai Mayai Leikai village in Manipur. His achievement at Dakar is the culmination of years of determination, family sacrifices and consistent training despite financial difficulties. His father, Lairenlakpam Madan Meetei, works as a daily-wage labourer on other people’s farmland, while his mother, Lairenlakpam Babita Leima, earns money by stitching traditional Manipuri clothing. Ambekar’s interest in boxing began in 2016 when he expressed his desire to join the nearby Nongada Boxing Academy. However, supporting his training was a financial challenge for his family. His parents eventually managed to purchase a second-hand bicycle worth Rs 200 so that he could travel to the academy regularly.
His first coach, Pheiroijam Sanabiten, encouraged him to take up boxing to channel his energy and recognised his physical strength. Ambekar subsequently appeared for trials at the National Sports Academy at Khuman Lampak in Imphal in 2022, where he trained under coach Jiten Singh. His performances gradually earned him recognition in competitive boxing.
He won several sub-junior state titles before securing bronze at the Junior National Championships in Rohtak in 2025, which helped him earn a place in the Indian junior team. He also won bronze at the Asian Junior Championships in 2025 and silver at the World Boxing Futures Cup in Bangkok in March 2026. At Dakar, Ambekar defeated Namibia’s Abraham Kalenga through a referee-stops-contest decision before securing victories against Colombia’s Izzon Jeffrey Galea Arevalo in the semi-finals. In the final, he faced Ireland’s Kristian Jubani.
Despite losing the opening round, Ambekar fought back in the remaining rounds, using his combination punches and determination to secure a 3-2 split-decision victory. His triumph became a landmark moment for Indian boxing.
History created! 🥇🥊 Huge congratulations to Lairenlakpam Ambekar Meetei on bringing home India’s first-ever Boxing Gold from the Youth Olympic Games 2026. https://t.co/zY2fnMQaGo
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) November 12, 2026
Gunjan’s Rise To Gold
Seventeen-year-old Gunjan Yadav, from Dhana Kalan village near Hisar in Haryana, began her sporting journey after watching Neeraj Chopra win the javelin gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Inspired by his achievement, she approached her father, Harbhagwan, and expressed her desire to pursue sports and eventually win an Olympic medal for India. Her family initially took her to Mahavir Stadium in Hisar, where she trained under coach Jyoti.
She later joined the Manjeet Lohan Boxing Academy, where coach Vikas Lohan helped her develop her boxing skills. Supporting her ambitions required considerable adjustments from her family. Her mother, Suman, moved to Hisar with Gunjan and her brother so that she could continue training, while her father stayed back to manage the family’s seven-acre agricultural land in their village. The family lived in rented accommodation as they managed the expenses associated with her training and education.
One incident from 2024 became particularly significant in Gunjan’s journey. After she lost in the semi-finals of the Junior National Championships, her father took her to their farmland and asked her to work alongside him in the cotton fields for a day. He wanted to understand her determination and willingness to overcome difficulties. Gunjan continued working throughout the day, strengthening his belief in her resolve. She subsequently won national-level junior titles and secured silver medals at the Asian Junior Championships and the World Boxing Futures Cup in Bangkok in 2026.
At Dakar, Gunjan defeated Mexico’s Atena Sofia Juarez Calero 5-0 in the quarter-finals. She then overcame England’s Lily Bassett 4-1 in the semi-finals to enter the gold medal bout. In the final against Algeria’s Bouthaina Bensalah, Gunjan controlled all three rounds and secured a unanimous 5-0 victory, with all five judges scoring the contest 30-27 in her favour. The victory made her the first Indian woman to win boxing gold at the Youth Olympic Games.
Heartiest congratulations to Gunjan on winning the Women’s 48kg Boxing Gold at the Youth Olympic Games. https://t.co/TXSnvIYT6S
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) November 13, 2026
Historic Boxing Milestone
The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) welcomed the two victories, describing them as a historic achievement for the country’s boxing fraternity. BFI president Ajay Singh said, “This is a historic moment for Indian boxing and Indian sport. Winning two gold medals at the Youth Olympic Games, with India also opening its gold medal account at the Dakar 2026 edition, makes this achievement even more special.” He added that these were India’s first-ever boxing gold medals at the Youth Olympic Games. Singh also highlighted the growing depth of young boxing talent in the country and said the federation’s focus would be on helping emerging champions develop into world-class senior athletes.
Before the Dakar victories, India had secured two boxing medals at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore. Shiva Thapa won silver in the men’s 54kg category, while Vikas Krishan claimed bronze in the men’s 60kg category. India had not previously won a boxing gold at the competition. Following Ambekar and Gunjan’s victories, India’s medal tally at Dakar reached 10 medals, comprising two gold, three silver and five bronze, according to the reported update. The two boxers also maintained a perfect record for India’s boxing contingent, with both athletes returning with gold medals.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Ambekar and Gunjan’s journeys remind us that sporting achievements are built not only on individual talent but also on family sacrifices, supportive coaches and opportunities to pursue one’s ambitions. Their stories highlight the importance of making sports accessible to children from rural communities and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Gunjan’s historic victory is particularly encouraging for young girls who aspire to enter competitive sports despite social and financial barriers. Similarly, Ambekar’s journey demonstrates how determination and sustained encouragement can help young people overcome limitations imposed by their circumstances. While celebrating their medals, India must also focus on providing young athletes with quality training facilities, financial assistance, nutrition and long-term support as they transition into senior-level competitions.
Their success should inspire a stronger sporting culture in which talent receives equal opportunities, irrespective of gender or economic background. What more can India do to support young sporting talent from rural communities and help aspiring athletes turn their dreams into reality?
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