Gunjan wins India's first women's boxing gold at Youth Olympics 2026
The 17-year-old boxer defeated Algeria's Bouthaina Bensalah to secure a historic victory in Dakar, Senegal.
Gunjan won India's first-ever women's boxing gold medal at the Youth Olympics in Dakar, Senegal, on Thursday. The 17-year-old Haryana athlete defeated Algeria's Bouthaina Bensalah 5-0 in the women's 48kg final by unanimous decision, according to Sportstar and Outlook.
Gunjan swept the scorecards 30-27, with all five judges favouring her. Before the final, she secured a place in the medal rounds by defeating Mexico's Atena Sofia Juarez Calero 5-0 in the quarterfinals and beat Great Britain's Lily Bassett 4-1 in the semifinals.
The victory follows a gold medal won earlier that day by Lairenlakpam Ambekar Meetei, who defeated Ireland's Kristian Jubani 3-2 in the men's 50kg final. Ambekar Meetei is the first Indian boxer to win a Youth Olympics gold, while Gunjan is the second.
Boxing Federation of India (BFI) president Ajay Singh said the achievement is a historic moment for Indian boxing and sport. He noted that winning two gold medals at the Dakar 2026 edition makes the achievement special.
India's total medal count at the Games has reached 11, consisting of three gold, three silver, and five bronze medals. Other medallists include Sresht Raju Mantena in equestrian, Khushbu Rajakbhai Darjada in judo, Taniya in beach wrestling, and Tanvi Patri in badminton.