India's Lairenlakpam Ambekar Meetei scripted history at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, storming into the men's 50kg boxing final to end the country's 16-year wait for a finalist in the competition.

The boxer from Manipur achieved the feat after registering a commanding 5-0 victory over Colombia's Izzon Jeffrey Galea Arevalo in the semifinals on Wednesday, November 11. Meetei dominated the contest, with all five judges scoring the bout in his favour.

The judges returned scores of 28-27, 28-27, 28-27, 29-26 and 28-27, handing the Indian a unanimous decision and taking him one step closer to a historic gold medal.

Meetei's achievement brought back memories of Shiva Thapa, who was the last Indian boxer to reach a Youth Olympics final at the inaugural edition in Singapore in 2010. Thapa went on to win silver in the men's 54kg category.

Meetei will now look to go one better when he takes on Ireland's Kristian Jubani in the gold medal bout. Jubani booked his place in the final after defeating Mexico's Alan Jesus Ocampo Cano 5-0 in the other semifinal.

A victory would make Meetei India's first-ever boxing gold medallist at the Youth Olympic Games.

MEETEI’S IMPRESSIVE RUN TO THE FINAL

Meetei has been in impressive form throughout the tournament, winning all three of his bouts to secure a place in the final.

He began his campaign with a commanding victory over Namibia's Abraham Kalenga, stopping his opponent through a Referee Stops Contest (RSC) at 1:57 in the opening round. The win also assured India of a boxing medal.

In the quarterfinals, Meetei continued his dominant run, defeating Senegal's Faye Cheikh Ibrahima Fall 5-0 on points to book his place in the last four.

He then produced another assured performance against Colombia's Arevalo, securing a unanimous decision in the semifinal to complete his journey to the gold medal bout.

The 2026 edition in Dakar has given Indian boxing another opportunity to make history. Meetei will now have the chance to cap his impressive campaign with the country's first Youth Olympic boxing gold.

The men's 50kg final is scheduled for Thursday, November 12.

- Ends