Indian boxing celebrated a historic achievement at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games as Gunjan clinched the women's 48kg gold medal, becoming the first Indian woman to win a boxing gold at the competition.
The 17-year-old defeated Algeria's Bouthaina Bensalah by a unanimous 5-0 decision in the final on November 12, securing another major milestone for the country's young boxing talent. Her victory also completed a memorable day for India, with both its boxers winning gold medals in their respective categories.
Gunjan's achievement came shortly after Lairenlakpam Ambekar Meetei won the men's 50kg final against Ireland's Kristian Jubani. Ambekar secured a 3-2 split-decision victory, becoming the first Indian boxer to win a gold medal at the Youth Olympic Games.
Key Highlights:
- Gunjan won the women's 48kg gold, becoming the first Indian woman to claim a boxing gold at the Youth Olympic Games
- Lairenlakpam Ambekar Meetei secured the men's 50kg gold, marking India's first-ever boxing gold at the competition
- The double victory at Dakar 2026 marked a historic milestone for Indian youth boxing and highlighted the country's emerging talent
He was the first Indian boxer since Shiva Thapa and Vikas Krishan who had won a silver and a bronze medal respectively at the 2010 Youth Olympics in Singapore to bring laurels to Indian boxing.
Gunjan had an unparalleled performance during the entire game and all five judges gave their game 30-27 in her favor. She was able to maintain control in all three rounds, which showed her strong technique and composure against her Algerian opponent.
The win came on the heels of a stellar campaign, as she outshot Mexico's Atena Sofia Juarez Calero 5-0 in the quarterfinals and held Great Britain's Lily Bassett to the limit 4-1 in the semifinals.
Her gold medal was also a return to the top after the 2026 World Boxing Futures Cup in Bangkok, Thailand, was a qualifying tournament for the Dakar Youth Olympics, where she took home the silver medal.
Gunjan had lost to Bassett in the Bangkok final but in the Youth Olympics semifinal had defeated Bassett to qualify herself for the gold medal match.
India's international youth boxing strength was on display with the double win. The Boxing Federation of India said both the Indian participants had won top honors, securing the nation's first-ever boxing gold medals in the Youth Olympic Games.
The feat is hoped to inspire young athletes, especially young women boxers and boost India's foreign boxing presence in the international arena.
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