Gunjan makes history, joins Ambekar Meetei on India’s Youth Olympic gold rush
India’s golden ride in the boxing ring at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics got even sweeter on Thursday when Gunjan produced a historic performance to win the women’s 48kg title. The 17-year-old defeated Algeria’s Bouthaina Bensalah by unanimous decision on November 12 to become the first Indian woman to win a gold medal in boxing at the Youth Olympics.
Gunjan’s triumph came just a few hours later Lairenlakpam Ambekar Meetei made history by becoming the first Indian boxer to win gold in the competition by defeating Ireland’s Kristian Jubani in the men’s 50kg final. Gunjan followed it up with another golden moment that made it a day to remember for Indian boxing.
She also became India’s first boxing medalist at the Youth Olympics, marking a significant milestone for the country’s women’s boxing program.
GUNJAN DOMINATES THE FINALS
Gunjan put on a commanding display against Bensalah and kept control of the bout for all three rounds. She won each round by unanimous decision, with all five judges scoring the bout 30-27 in her favor.
The Indian boxer secured a 10:9 lead in the opening round and maintained her dominance in the remaining two rounds. All five judges awarded her 10 points to Bensalah’s nine in rounds two and three.
The final score reflected Gunjan’s dominance as she combined poise and effective boxing to keep her Algerian opponent at bay. With no warnings or knockdowns recorded, she completed the comprehensive victory to secure the biggest title of her young career. Courtesy: Olympics.com
FROM BANGKOK SILVER TO YOUTH OLYMPICS GOLD
Gunjan’s journey to the top step was built on an impressive run at the World Boxing Futures Cup 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand. The tournament served as a qualifying competition for the Dakar Youth Olympics.
She reached the final in Bangkok after recording a commanding 5-0 semi-final victory over North Korea’s Yu Gyong Kim. Although she eventually settled for silver after losing to England’s Lily Bassett, the result secured her a quota place at the Youth Olympics.
Gunjan took this form to Dakar. After getting a bye in the opening round, she began her campaign in the quarterfinals against Mexico’s Atena Sofia Juarez Calero on November 10. She secured a convincing 5-0 victory in the semi-finals, securing at least a bronze medal.
The Indian then produced another impressive performance when she defeated Great Britain’s Lily Bassett 4-1 in the last four games on 11 November. The victory was particularly satisfying as Bassett had beaten her in the final in Bangkok.
Gunjan completed her redemption story by defeating Bensalah in the gold medal match, turning her earlier disappointment into a historic triumph.
THE INDIAN MEDAL
Gunjan’s historic triumph took India’s medal tally at the Dakar Youth Olympics to 11, which includes three gold, three silver and five bronze medals. After Sreshta Raju Mantena’s victory in equestrian and Lairenlakpam Ambekar Meetei’s in boxing, her gold was India’s third at the Games.
Khushbu Rajakbhai Darjada (Judo), Taniya (Beach Wrestling) and Tanvi Patri (Badminton) won silver medals. In the bronze medal category, Dhinidhi Desinghu bagged two medals in swimming, while Tirthank Pegu (swimming), Shourya Ambure (athletics) and Rajkumari Lanchenbi Chanu (wushu) also finished on the podium.
Gunjan’s win also means India won two gold medals in boxing at Dakar 2026, capping off a memorable campaign for the country’s young fighters.
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