Manipur’s Lairenlakpam Ambekar Meetei Creates History With India’s Maiden Youth Olympics Boxing Gold

Manipur’s Ambekar Meetei Makes History, Becomes First Indian Boxer To Win Youth Olympics Gold

India’s boxing contingent witnessed a historic moment at the Dakar Youth Olympics as Manipur’s Lairenlakpam Ambekar Meetei secured the country’s maiden gold medal in the sport at the competition. The 50kg boxer defeated Ireland’s Kristian Jubani in a thrilling final to achieve the landmark feat.

Ambekar Meetei displayed remarkable composure under pressure, recovering from a disappointing start to register a 3-2 victory on points. The win not only earned him the top podium finish but also ended India’s wait for its first gold medal at the ongoing edition of the Games.

The final began on a challenging note for the Indian pugilist, with Jubani receiving unanimous approval from all five judges in the opening round. However, Ambekar Meetei gradually regained control, winning the second round according to three judges.

The decisive third round saw the Manipuri boxer deliver his strongest performance. Four judges ruled in his favour, completing an impressive turnaround and securing the gold medal for India.

A New Chapter In India’s Youth Boxing History

Ambekar Meetei’s achievement marks a first for Indian boxing at the Youth Olympics. Before his triumph, India had won two boxing medals at the competition, both during the 2010 edition in Singapore.

Shiv Thapa had claimed silver in the men’s 54kg category, while Vikas Krishan earned bronze in the men’s 60kg event. More than a decade later, Ambekar Meetei has taken Indian boxing to a new milestone by becoming the country’s first Youth Olympics gold medallist in the sport.

India’s Medal Tally Gets A Boost

The gold medal has strengthened India’s campaign at the Dakar Youth Olympics. Before the boxing final, the Indian team had secured three silver and five bronze medals in different events.

The silver medals came in badminton, judo and beach wrestling, while Indian athletes also secured bronze medals in swimming, women’s 100m hurdles and Wushu.

Ambekar Meetei’s victory has added a historic dimension to India’s campaign, highlighting the potential of its emerging sporting talent. The young boxer from Manipur has not only delivered a memorable international performance but also set a new benchmark for the country’s future generations of boxers.