Lairenlakpam Ambekar Meetei of Manipur won India’s first ever Youth Olympic gold

Lairenlakpam Ambekar Meetei scripted history at the Dakar Youth Olympics by becoming the first Indian boxer to win a gold medal at the competition after defeating Ireland’s Kristian Jubani in the 50kg final.

The boxer from Manipur won 3-2 on points in a close bout to bring India its first gold medal at the ongoing Youth Olympics. The win also ended India’s wait for a top spot on the podium at the Dakar Games after a string of silver and bronze medals.

Ambekar Meetei must have generated a strong response after a tough opening round. All five judges awarded the first round to Jubani, leaving the Indian to settle. He fought back in the second, with three of the five judges scoring the round in his favor.

The last round proved decisive. Ambekar Meetei earned a verdict from four judges, turning the match around to secure a 3-2 win and claim the gold medal.

This triumph adds to India’s history in youth Olympic boxing. Shiv Thapa won silver in the men’s 54 kg category at the 2010 Singapore edition, while Vikas Krishan won bronze in the men’s 60 kg event at the same games.

The Ambekar Meetei gold is thus India’s first Youth Olympic boxing title and the country’s third medal in the sport at the competition. A significant achievement for Indian boxing, the Manipuri youngster has added his name to the list of youth Olympic medalists in the country.

India’s medal tally at the Dakar

The gold medal also marks a breakthrough for India’s campaign in the ongoing edition. Before winning the Ambekar Meetei, the Indian contingent had collected three silver and five bronze medals in various events.

India won silver medals in badminton, judo and beach wrestling. The contingent also secured five bronze medals on the podium in swimming, women’s 100m hurdles and Wushu.

Ambekar Meetei’s victory now gives India its first gold in the competition and adds a significant tally to its medal tally.

For the young boxer, the victory is a big milestone on the international stage. For India, it is another encouraging sign of the country’s growing presence in boxing at the youth level, with the 50kg champion producing a result that will be remembered in the history of its Youth Olympic campaign.

This is a developing story. It will be updated.

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