India Wins Two Boxing Gold Medals at Youth Olympics
India achieved a historic first by winning two boxing gold medals at the Youth Olympics, led by Ambekar and Gunjan.
DAKAR, Nov 13: India won two gold medals in boxing at the Youth Olympics in Dakar. Lairenlakpam Ambekar Meetei claimed gold in the men’s 50kg category, while Gunjan secured the women’s 48kg title.
On November 12, Ambekar defeated Ireland’s Kristian Jubani with a close 3-2 split decision, marking India’s first gold in boxing at these games. His journey to the final included a dominant win over Colombia’s Izzon Jeffrey Galea Arevalo and a first-round stoppage of Namibia’s Abraham Kalenga.
Gunjan made history shortly after, becoming the first Indian woman to win a boxing gold medal at the Youth Olympics. She defeated Algeria’s Bouthaina Bensalah by unanimous decision, with judges scoring the match 30-27 in her favor. Gunjan showed her skills with previous victories against Mexico’s Atena Sofia Juarez Calero and Great Britain’s Lily Bassett.
Gunjan’s success contributes to India’s best-ever performance at the Youth Olympics, bringing the total medal count to 11, including three gold, three silver, and five bronze medals. Her victory highlights the growing strength in India’s women’s boxing, alongside Ambekar’s win on the same day.