Lairenlakpam Ambekar Meetei wins India’s first Youth Olympics boxing gold in Dakar

Manipur's Lairenlakpam Ambekar Meetei defeated Ireland's Kristian Jubani 3-2 to win the 50kg boxing gold at the Dakar Youth Olympics on November 12, 2026, becoming the first Indian boxer to claim Youth Olympics gold. The result was the first top-podium finish for India at the ongoing Dakar Games.

Prior to Ambekar Meetei's victory, the Indian contingent at Dakar had accumulated three silver and five bronze medals. The three silver-medal finishes came in badminton, judo and beach wrestling, while the five bronze medals were in swimming, the women's 100m hurdles and Wushu. Ambekar Meetei's win ended India's wait for a gold at the event.

Ambekar Meetei recovered after a difficult opening round in which all five judges awarded the frame to Jubani. He won the second round on three of the five judges' cards. In the final round Ambekar Meetei earned the verdict from four judges, turning the contest around to secure a 3-2 points victory.

India's previous Youth Olympic boxing medallists were Shiv Thapa, who won silver in the men's 54kg at Singapore 2010, and Vikas Krishan, who took bronze in the men's 60kg at the same Games. Ambekar Meetei's gold is therefore India's first boxing title at the Youth Olympics and the country's third boxing medal at the competition.

The triumph adds to India's history in Youth Olympics boxing. For the young boxer, the win is a major milestone on the international stage.

Ambekar Meetei's victory now gives India its first gold of the Dakar Youth Olympics and adds a landmark result to the country's medal tally.