Ambekar Meetei secures India's first Youth Olympic boxing gold in Dakar

Ambekar Meetei won the men's 50kg gold at the Dakar Youth Olympics on November 12, 2026, defeating Ireland's Kristian Jubani to become the first Indian boxer to claim gold at the competition. The victory capped a rise from local training in Manipur to the Youth Olympic podium.

Meetei's family home is in Lamlai, Imphal East, and his mother, Lairenlakpam Babita Leima, told PTI the boy showed extraordinary interest in sport from an early age. Babita said he was fiercely determined even at 10 years old and that her younger brother, Shyamkumar, first suggested he take up boxing. His father began taking him to Nongada Boxing Academy in 2018; the academy was about four to five kilometres from home and the father initially used a scooter to transport him.

Financial constraints shaped the early routine: both parents worked as daily-wage labourers and could not always accompany him, so Meetei walked or borrowed bicycles from friends and neighbours to reach training. His grandfather later bought him a bicycle, which the family says became central to his ability to continue attending the academy. Meetei trained under coach Sanabiten at Nongada Boxing Academy, where his progress drew the coach's attention.

Coach Sanabiten advised the family to enrol Meetei at the National Sports Academy (NSA) in Khuman Lampak so he could balance education with improved training opportunities. Babita said each step required careful financial management and family sacrifice to allow him to develop as a boxer. As he advanced, decisions about representation followed: Babita revealed he initially wanted to compete for NSA Imphal but, following his parents' insistence, he went on to represent Pune's Army Boys.

Recalling the journey after the Dakar result, Babita told PTI: "His unbreakable will and determination to keep playing despite all odds and family challenges made him a tough boxer." Speaking at their residence in Lamlai, she added: "He never feared challenges and always believed in himself. He takes everything seriously, but has never compromised on his determination."

The Boxing Federation of India posted footage from Dakar, writing: "GOLDEN MOMENT FOR INDIA Glimpses from Dakar as L. Ambekar Meetei brought India's first Gold medal at the 4th Youth Olympic Games 2026. Video courtesy: @olympickhel #IndianBoxing #lambekarmeetei #youtholympicgames"— Boxing Federation (@BFI_official) November 12, 2026.

Despite the historic gold, Meetei has not yet secured government employment because he has not attained the prescribed age eligibility; Babita said she remains hopeful that his contribution to Indian sport will eventually be recognised and that he will receive a government job. For the family, the Youth Olympic gold is a reward for a journey that demanded patience from the entire family and extraordinary resolve from a young boxer.