Indian Boxers Shine at Youth Olympics in Dakar

KOLKATA: The Youth Olympics in Dakar marked a historic milestone for Indian sports, especially in boxing. With a total of 10 medals earned by India from a group of 17 athletes, the boxers stood out, highlighted by Ambekar Meetei’s groundbreaking gold medal win.

Ambekar's Historic Gold

Ambekar made history as he clinched India's first-ever gold medal in boxing at the Youth Olympic Games by winning the men’s 50kg final. The weight of this accomplishment has not fully registered with Ambekar just yet. “It still feels like a dream. I want to thank my family, my coaches, and everyone in India who supported me. This medal is for my country,” he expressed afterward.

The match presented its fair share of challenges. Ambekar began on the back foot, losing the first round in the eyes of all five judges. This setback compelled him to chase victory from the start. “I told myself not to panic. My coaches advised me to stay calm, close the distance, and throw quick combinations. There were still two rounds left, so I committed fully to the fight,” he reflected.

A Defining Comeback

A pivotal moment arrived in the second round when a standing count against his opponent swung the tide in Ambekar’s favor. “After dropping the first round, that single punch provided significant confidence. It pressured my opponent and allowed me to take control,” Ambekar recounted after defeating Ireland’s Kristian Jubani.

His coach, Vijay Kumar Sharma, highlighted a key trait that defines Ambekar: resilience. “His fighting spirit and mental toughness were evident throughout the competition. He adheres to tactical instructions with exceptional discipline,” Sharma stated. “Despite losing the first round, he maintained his belief and returned stronger, showcasing impressive resilience under pressure.”

Gunjan's Trailblazing Victory

If Ambekar's triumph opened the door to glory, Gunjan’s subsequent victory allowed it to swing wide open. She became the first female boxer from India to secure a gold medal at the Youth Olympics, triumphing in the women’s 48kg category. Like her male counterpart, Gunjan’s success stemmed from meticulous preparation and a strong mindset. “Before the final, I focused on my game plan. I knew exactly how I wanted to box and what needed to be achieved in the ring. Keeping faith in myself was my main priority,” she shared, following her victory over Algeria’s Bouthaina Bensalah.

This victory holds immense meaning for Gunjan. “It is a special moment for me and for the country. Winning this gold medal and making history for India is a dream come true,” she said, her tone reflecting the pride felt by many in the nation.

A Remarkable Campaign

Ambekar and Gunjan’s remarkable achievements were the highlights of India’s most successful boxing campaign at the Youth Olympics, contributing significantly to the nation's overall medal tally, which included two gold, three silver, and five bronze medals.

More than just numbers, their victories signify a promising future. In Dakar, these athletes illustrated that the next generation of Indian boxers is not merely aspiring for Olympic dreams—they are actively chasing and achieving them.