Ambekar Meetei and Gunjan Shine at Youth Olympic Games with Historic Gold Medals

Ambekar Meetei and Gunjan have made history by winning gold medals at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar. Meetei became the first Indian boxer to achieve this feat, while Gunjan made her mark as the first Indian female boxer to win gold. Both athletes expressed pride in their accomplishments and shared their aspirations for future competitions, including the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics. Their remarkable journeys highlight the potential of Indian boxing on the global stage.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 15, 2026, 21:46 IST

Ambekar Meetei's Historic Win

Ambekar Meetei has made a significant mark in Indian boxing by becoming the first athlete from the country to clinch a gold medal at the Youth Olympic Games held in Dakar. He expressed immense pride and joy over this achievement, especially as it was his inaugural appearance at such a prestigious event.

Dedication and Future Aspirations

The young boxer attributed his success to relentless effort, commitment, and determination, urging fellow athletes to persist in pursuing their dreams. Meetei aims to build on this success as he looks forward to competing in larger arenas, including the Senior Commonwealth Games and the Olympic Games, with aspirations of securing additional gold medals for India.

Thrilling Final Match

In the men's 50kg final, Meetei triumphed over Ireland's Kristian Jubani with a close score of 3-2. The 17-year-old from Manipur demonstrated exceptional tenacity, recovering from a challenging start where he lost the first round on all five judges' scorecards. He rebounded effectively, winning the second round on three cards and the final round on four, ultimately achieving a split-decision victory.

Gunjan's Groundbreaking Achievement

Seventeen-year-old Gunjan also made history at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games by becoming the first Indian female boxer to win a gold medal at this tournament. She showcased her skills in the women's 48kg category, dominating her final match against Bensalah, winning all three rounds with a score of 10-9 from each of the five judges. Gunjan expressed her pride in this accomplishment, highlighting its significance for both herself and her country.