Youth Olympics: Ambekar, Gunjan storm into boxing semis, assure India of medals

Gunjan (red) and Ambekar (blue) with coaching staff. (Pic credit: BFI)

NEW DELHI: India's boxing campaign at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games received a major boost on Tuesday as Lairenlakpam Ambekar Meetei and Gunjan stormed into the semifinals of their respective categories, assuring the country of two medals. Ambekar delivered a commanding performance in the men's 50kg quarterfinal, stopping Namibia's Abraham Kalenga through a Referee Stops Contest (RSC) in the opening round. The bout was stopped at 1 minute and 57 seconds, with the Indian securing his place in the last four without allowing the contest to go the distance. Gunjan followed it up with an equally impressive performance in the women's 48kg category, defeating Mexico's Atena Sofia Juarez Calero 5-0 in her quarterfinal bout. The unanimous decision took her into the semifinals and confirmed India's second boxing medal at the Games. With both boxers advancing to the medal rounds, India are now assured of at least two bronze medals in the competition.

Ambekar faces Colombian opponent in semis

Ambekar's emphatic victory underlined his dominance in the quarterfinal, as he wrapped up the contest inside the opening two minutes. The Indian will now face Colombia's Izzon Jeffrey Arevalo in the men's 50kg semifinal on Wednesday, with a place in the gold-medal bout at stake. The young boxer will look to carry the momentum from his quarterfinal performance into the last-four clash as he attempts to move closer to the top of the podium. Gunjan, meanwhile, will also be aiming to build on her comprehensive 5-0 victory over Juarez Calero when she steps into the ring for her semifinal bout. Her controlled display ensured that India added another medal to its boxing tally.

India look to improve Youth Olympics record

The two boxing medals add to India's campaign at the fourth edition of the Youth Olympic Games, being held in Dakar, Senegal. The event is a landmark for African sport, with Dakar becoming the first African city to host an Olympic sporting event. The Indian contingent have already won eight medals so far in Dakar: three silver and five bronze medals. India's most successful campaign came at Buenos Aires 2018, where the contingent won 13 medals, including three gold, nine silver and one bronze.