Lairenlakpam Ambekar Meetei scripted history at the Dakar Youth Olympics, becoming the first Indian boxer to win a gold medal at the competition after defeating Ireland's Kristian Jubani in the 50kg final.

The boxer from Manipur prevailed 3-2 on points in a closely fought contest, delivering India's first gold medal at the ongoing edition of the Youth Olympics. The victory also ended India's wait for the top spot on the podium at the Dakar Games, following a series of silver and bronze medal finishes.

Ambekar Meetei had to produce a strong response after a difficult opening round. All five judges awarded the first round to Jubani, leaving the Indian with ground to make up. He fought back in the second, with three of the five judges scoring the round in his favour.

The final round proved decisive. Ambekar Meetei earned the verdict from four judges, turning the contest around to secure a 3-2 win and claim the gold medal.

The triumph adds to India's history in Youth Olympics boxing. Shiv Thapa had won silver in the men's 54kg category at the Singapore 2010 edition, while Vikas Krishan claimed bronze in the men's 60kg event at the same Games.

Ambekar Meetei's gold is therefore India's first boxing title at the Youth Olympics and the country's third medal in the sport at the competition. It is a significant achievement for Indian boxing, with the Manipuri youngster adding his name to the list of the country's Youth Olympic medallists.

India's medal tally at Dakar

The gold medal also marks a breakthrough for India's campaign at the ongoing edition. Before Ambekar Meetei's victory, the Indian contingent had collected three silver medals and five bronze medals across different disciplines.

India's silver-medal finishes came in badminton, judo and beach wrestling. The contingent also secured five bronze medals, with podium finishes in swimming, the women's 100m hurdles and Wushu.

Ambekar Meetei's victory now gives India its first gold of the competition and adds a landmark result to its medal tally.

For the young boxer, the win is a major milestone on the international stage. For India, it is another encouraging sign of the country's growing presence in youth-level boxing, with the 50kg champion delivering a result that will be remembered in the history of its Youth Olympics campaign.

This is a developing story. It will be updated.

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