Ambekar Meetei and Gunjan Punch Into Dakar Semifinals to Guarantee Two Boxing Medals

Lairenlakpam Ambekar Meetei needed just 117 seconds to dismantle his opponent on Tuesday, spearheading a ferocious double strike for India in the boxing ring at Dakar 2026.

Minutes after Ambekar battered Namibia's Abraham Kalenga to force an opening-round stoppage, Gunjan picked apart Mexico's Atena Sofia Juarez Calero with a 5-0 sweep. The twin victories vaulted both fighters into the semifinals—guaranteeing India at least two bronze medals in Senegal.

First-Round Stoppage in 50kg Quarterfinal

Ambekar dictated the terms from the opening bell of the men's 50kg quarterfinal. He trapped Kalenga against the ropes early, firing combinations through the Namibian's guard and leaving him completely overwhelmed.

The referee intervened at the 1:57 mark. A Referee Stops Contest (RSC) ruling closed the bout before the first round ended. Ambekar secured his semifinal ticket without a scratch.

Gunjan Sweeps Mexican Challenger 5-0

Gunjan delivered tactical poise in the women's 48kg quarterfinal. Confronting Juarez Calero, the Indian maintained distance, snapped counterpunches into every Mexican attack, and dominated the exchanges over three rounds.

All five judges awarded the contest to Gunjan. It was a comprehensive 5-0 unanimous decision that left no room for doubt.

The boxing team's twin podium guarantees push the contingent closer to its benchmark. India achieved its finest Youth Olympic performance at Buenos Aires 2018, bringing home 13 medals consisting of three gold, nine silver, and one bronze.

The stakes climb on Wednesday when Ambekar steps into the ring against Colombia's Izzon Jeffrey Arevalo in the men's 50kg semifinal, with a spot in the gold-medal bout on the line.