Gunjan (red), Ambekar (blue) with coaching staff. (BFI) Boxers Lairenlakpam Ambekar Meetei and Gunjan secured two medals for India at the 2026 Youth Olympics in Dakar after qualifying for the semifinals, guaranteeing at least a bronze medal. Ambekar was up against Namibia's Abraham Kalenga in the men's 50kg quarterfinal. The Indian boxer came out all guns blazing and dominated the contest, leaving the referee with little choice but to stop the bout in the opening round. The contest ended after 1 minute and 57 seconds by referee stoppage (RSC), sending Ambekar into the semifinals. Gunjan also did not have to work too hard for the win in the women's 48kg quarterfinal. She faced Mexico's Atena Sofia Juarez Calero and won with a convincing 5-0 victory. All five judges favoured the Indian boxer, pushing her into the semifinals and securing another medal for the Indian contingent. India are yet to win a gold at the Youth Olympics 2026, and the boxers will be keen to get India on board. Ambekar will face Colombia's Izzon Jeffrey Arevalo in the semifinal on Wednesday, while Gunjan will take on Great Britain's Lily Bassett. Both boxers dismantled their opponent in the quarter-finals and would feel they have a real shot at making the finals. Wrestler Taniya also made history by winning silver in the women's 75kg category, India's first-ever medal in youth wrestling at the Games. Khushbu Rajakbhai Darjada (judo) and Tanvi Patri (badminton) also won silver medals. In swimming, Dhinidhi Desinghu claimed bronze in both the 100m and 200m freestyle, becoming the first Indian to win two medals at a single Youth Olympics edition. Tirthank Pegu also won bronze in the men's 200m butterfly, which was India's first-ever male swimming medal at the event. Rajkumari Lanchenbi Chanu added another bronze in wushu. India's best Youth Olympics campaign came in 2018 in Buenos Aires, where the country won 13 medals, including three gold, nine silver and one bronze. Faham Uddin is a seasoned sports journalist currently working as a Special Correspondent on the sports desk. With over eight years of diverse experien... View More