Gunjan scripts history, joins Ambekar Meetei in India's Youth Olympics gold rush
India’s golden run in the boxing ring at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games got even sweeter on Thursday as Gunjan delivered a historic performance to claim 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 boxing gold medal at the Youth Olympics.
Gunjan’s triumph came just hours after Lairenlakpam Ambekar Meetei scripted history by becoming the first Indian boxer to win gold at the competition, defeating Ireland’s Kristian Jubani in the men’s 50kg final. Gunjan followed it up with another golden moment, making it a memorable day for Indian boxing.
She also became India’s first female boxing medallist at the Youth Olympics, marking a significant milestone for the country’s women’s boxing programme.
GUNJAN DOMINATES FINAL
Gunjan produced a commanding display against Bensalah, keeping control of the contest across all three rounds. She won every round unanimously, with all five judges scoring the bout 30-27 in her favour.
The Indian boxer secured a 10-9 advantage in the opening round and maintained her superiority in the remaining two rounds. All five judges awarded her 10 points against Bensalah’s nine in both the second and third rounds.
The final scoreline reflected Gunjan’s dominance, as she combined composure and effective boxing to keep her Algerian opponent at bay. With no warnings or knockdowns recorded, she completed a comprehensive victory to secure the biggest title of her young career.
FROM BANGKOK SILVER TO YOUTH OLYMPICS GOLD
Gunjan’s journey to the top of the podium was built on an impressive run at the 2026 World Boxing Futures Cup in Bangkok, Thailand. The tournament served as the qualifying competition for the Dakar Youth Olympics.
She reached the final in Bangkok after registering a commanding 5-0 semifinal 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 carried that form into Dakar. After receiving 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 to enter the semifinals and guarantee herself at least a bronze medal.
The Indian then produced another impressive performance to defeat Great Britain’s Lily Bassett 4-1 in the last four on November 11. The victory was particularly satisfying as Bassett had beaten her in the Bangkok final.
Gunjan completed her redemption story by defeating Bensalah in the gold-medal bout, turning her earlier disappointment into a historic triumph.
INDIA’S MEDAL TALLY
Gunjan’s historic triumph took India’s medal tally at the Dakar Youth Olympics to 11, comprising three gold, three silver and five bronze medals. Her gold was India’s third at the Games, following victories by Sresht Raju Mantena in equestrian and Lairenlakpam Ambekar Meetei in boxing.
Khushbu Rajakbhai Darjada (judo), Taniya (beach wrestling) and Tanvi Patri (badminton) have won silver medals. In the bronze-medal category, Dhinidhi Desinghu has claimed two medals in swimming, while Tirthank Pegu (swimming), Shourya Ambure (athletics) and Rajkumari Lanchenbi Chanu (wushu) have also finished on the podium.
Gunjan’s victory also means India have won two boxing gold medals at Dakar 2026, capping a memorable campaign for the country’s young pugilists.
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