Gunjan Yadav Claims Gold at Youth Olympic Games, Inspires Future Generations

Dakar, November 13 (Daily Kiran) : Boxer Gunjan Yadav has made headlines by winning a gold medal in the women’s 48-kilogram boxing event at the Summer Youth Olympic Games 2026, held in Dakar, the capital of Senegal. Bihar’s Chief Minister, Samrat Chaudhary, praised Yadav, calling her an inspiration for countless young people across the nation.

On social media platform X, Chaudhary congratulated Yadav on her remarkable achievement. He stated, “Winning the gold medal in the women’s 48-kilogram boxing event at the Youth Olympic Games has brought honor to our country. Your hard work, dedication, and commitment serve as an inspiration to countless youth nationwide. Wishing you all the best for your bright future.”

India concluded its journey at the Summer Youth Olympic Games with a total of 10 medals, including two gold, three silver, and five bronze. This marks the country’s second-best performance in the history of the competition.

The medal-winning campaign spanned seven sports, featuring five athletes from the Khelo India program among the medalists. These included Tanvi Patra (badminton), Khushboo Rajakbhai Darjada (judo), Shaurya Ambure (athletics), Gunjan (boxing), and Tirthank Pegu (swimming).

Out of 17 athletes representing India, nine returned home with medals. Notably, swimmer Dhinidhi Desinghu made history by becoming the first Indian athlete to win two medals in a single edition of the Youth Olympic Games. The 10 medals achieved this year are only surpassed by India’s performance in 2018, where the country secured 13 medals.

India competed in 11 sports, earning medals in seven, showcasing the growth and potential of the nation’s young athletes.

Medal winners from the Dakar Youth Olympic Games 2026 include:

Gold:
1. Larenlakpam Ambedkar Meitei: Boxing (Boys, 50 kg)
2. Gunjan Yadav: Boxing (Girls, 48 kg)

Silver:
– Khushboo Rajakbhai Darjada: Judo (Girls, 63 kg)
– Tanvi Patra: Badminton (Girls, Singles)
– Tanya: Beach Wrestling (Girls, Freestyle 75 kg)

Bronze:
– Dhinidhi Desinghu: Swimming (Girls, 100m Freestyle)
– Rajkumari Lanchengbi Chanu: Wushu (Girls, Changquan Combined)
– Dhinidhi Desinghu: Swimming (Girls, 200m Freestyle)
– Tirthank Pegu: Swimming (Boys, 200m Butterfly)
– Shaurya Ambure: Athletics (Girls, 100m Hurdles)