Gunjan Shines at Dakar Youth Olympics, Secures Semifinal Spot

India continues to excel at the Dakar Youth Olympics 2026, with boxer Gunjan advancing to the semifinals and securing a medal in women's 48 kg. Shourya Ambure also made history by winning a bronze in the women's 100 m hurdles, while Taniya earned India's first youth wrestling medal. The country celebrates multiple medals across various sports, showcasing its growing prowess on the international stage. Read on to learn more about these remarkable achievements.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 11, 2026, 09:46 IST

Gunjan Reaches Semifinals at Dakar Youth Olympics

India's impressive performance at the Dakar Youth Olympics 2026 continues as boxer Gunjan has secured a place in the semifinals of the women's 48 kg category. On Tuesday, she triumphed over Mexico's Atena Sofia Juarez Calero with a decisive 5-0 victory, ensuring a medal for India, according to the Boxing Federation of India (BFI).

Achievements in Athletics and Wrestling

Earlier in the competition, Shourya Ambure made history by winning a bronze medal in the women's 100 m hurdles, achieving a personal best of 13.59 seconds in a field of nine competitors at Complexe Iba Mar Diop. This victory marks her as the first Indian woman to earn a medal in athletics at the Youth Olympics, contributing to India's total of eight medals at the event, which includes three silver and five bronze medals.

In wrestling, Taniya made headlines by claiming India's inaugural medal in youth wrestling, securing a silver in the 75 kg category. She faced off against China's Min Zhao, the reigning U17 world champion in the 69 kg division, in the gold medal match, narrowly losing 2-1. Taniya had previously defeated USA's Matilda Hruby 3-1 in the semifinals to reach the final.

Further Sporting Successes

India also celebrated silver medals from Khushbu Rajakbhai Darjada in women's 63 kg judo and Tanvi Patri in badminton. Dhinidhi Desinghu earned two bronze medals in the women's 100 m and 200 m freestyle swimming events, while Tirthank Pegu secured a bronze in the men's 200 m butterfly. Desinghu made history as the first Indian to win multiple medals at a single Youth Olympics, and Pegu achieved India's first male swimming medal at the event. Additionally, Rajkumari Lanchenbi Chanu won a bronze in the women's changquan combined wushu event.

India's Historical Performance

India's most successful Youth Olympics campaign occurred in 2018 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where the nation secured a total of 13 medals, including three gold, nine silver, and one bronze.