GUWAHATI: Manipur's Lairenlakpam Ambekar Meetei has scripted history at the Youth Olympics in Dakar, Senegal, by becoming India's first-ever boxing gold medallist at the sporting event. The 17-year-old defeated Ireland's Kristian Jubani 3-2 in a closely contested men's 50kg final on Thursday, November 12.
Ambekar Meetei's victory marked India's first gold medal in boxing at the Youth Olympics and ended the country's wait for a top podium finish at the ongoing Dakar Games, following a series of silver and bronze medal wins.
The final proved to be a closely fought contest, with the young Indian boxer having to stage a strong comeback after a difficult opening round. All five judges awarded the first round to Jubani, putting Ambekar Meetei under pressure.
However, the Manipur boxer responded strongly in the second round, with three of the five judges scoring in his favour. He then delivered a decisive performance in the final round, earning the verdict from four judges to secure a 3-2 victory and the gold medal.
Born in Manipur, Ambekar Meetei took up boxing in 2018 after his maternal uncle, Khadem Sukumar, noticed his physical build and encouraged him to pursue the sport.
He subsequently began his training at the National Sports Academy at the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex in Imphal. His performances in the junior division helped him progress through the ranks and earn an opportunity to train at the national camp in Patiala.
The 17-year-old has trained under coaches Vijay Kumar Sharma and Geeta Chanu Oinam. Coach Vijay has praised his physical fitness and described him as a talented boxer with a promising future.
Meanwhile, India added another gold medal in boxing as Gunjan secured a 5-0 victory over Bensalah in the final, becoming the country's first-ever female boxing gold medallist at the Youth Olympics.
Gunjan had earlier defeated Mexico's Atena Sofia Juarez Calero by a unanimous 5-0 decision in the quarterfinals to assure herself of a medal. She then overcame Great Britain's Lily Bassett 4-1 in the semifinal to book her place in the final.
