Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Imphal: Manipur boxer Lairenlakpam Ambekar Meetei made history on November 12. He beat Ireland's Jubani Kristian 3-2 in the men's 50kg final at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. This victory marks the first time an Indian boxer has claimed gold at the event. The Boxing Federation of India confirmed the win in a press note. It brings India's total medal count to nine, placing the nation ninth overall.
Ambekar Meetei dominated his route to the top. He shut out Colombia's Izzon Jeffrey Galea Arevalo 5-0 in the semi-finals to reach the title clash. India expects more success tonight. Gunjan will fight in the women's final at 10.30 pm IST after her 4-1 semi-final win over Great Britain's Lily Bassett. The Boxing Federation of India said, "The victory not only marked a landmark moment for Indian boxing but also secured the country's first gold medal at the ongoing edition of the Games."
India's medal haul spans several sports. In athletics, Shourya Ambure took bronze in the 100m hurdles with a personal best of 13.59 seconds. She is the first Indian woman to win an athletics medal at the Games. Taniya grabbed silver in the 75kg wrestling category after falling 1-2 to China's Min Zhao, a 2025 U17 World Wrestling Championships gold medallist.
Other silver medals went to Khushbu Rajakbhai Darjada in the women's 63kg judo and Tanvi Patri in badminton. Swimmer Dhinidhi Desinghu made history as the first Indian to win multiple medals at one Youth Olympic Games, grabbing bronze in both the 100m and 200m freestyle. Tirthank Pegu added a bronze in the men's 200m butterfly, and Rajkumari Lanchenbi Chanu secured bronze in women's wushu changquan. India's best showing remains the 2018 Buenos Aires games with 13 medals.
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