How Ambekar Meetei's unbreakable will led him to historic Youth Olympics boxing gold

Ambekar Meetei scripted history at the Youth Olympics, becoming the first Indian boxer to win gold at the competition. His journey from financial hardship and borrowed bicycles to the top of the podium reflects his unbreakable determination and his family's sacrifices.Lairenlakpam Ambekar Meetei won India's first gold medal at the Youth Olympics. (Image: X/@BFI_official)New Delhi,Nov 13, 2026 20:59 ISTA borrowed bicycle, a family's sacrifices and a young boy's refusal to give up. For Ambekar Meetei, the road to sporting history was paved with challenges that could easily have derailed his dreams. But the young boxer from Manipur kept moving forward, driven by a determination that never allowed circumstances to dictate his future.That perseverance eventually took him to the top of the podium at the Dakar Youth Olympics, where he created history by becoming the first Indian boxer to win gold at the competition. Ambekar defeated Ireland's Kristian Jubani in the men's 50kg final, turning years of hard work and sacrifice into a landmark achievement for Indian boxing."His unbreakable will and determination to keep playing despite all odds and family challenges made him a tough boxer," his mother, Lairenlakpam Babita Leima, told PTI on Friday, recalling the journey that brought her son to the biggest moment of his young career.Speaking at their residence in Lamlai, Imphal East, Babita said Ambekar had shown an extraordinary interest in sports from an early age. Even as a 10-year-old, he was fiercely determined and rarely backed away from something he wanted to achieve.FROM A BORROWED BICYCLE TO THE BOXING RING It was Babita's younger brother, Shyamkumar, who first suggested that Ambekar should take up boxing after noticing his enthusiasm for sports. The suggestion soon became a reality when his father started taking him to Nongada Boxing Academy in 2018.The academy was around four to five kilometres from their home, and initially, his father would take him there on his scooter. However, the family's financial circumstances made it increasingly difficult for him to accompany his son regularly. Both his parents worked as daily-wage labourers, and earning enough to support the household often took priority. But Ambekar was unwilling to let the lack of transport interrupt his training. He started walking to the academy and would sometimes borrow bicycles from friends and neighbours to make the journey. Watching his grandson's determination, his grandfather eventually gifted him a bicycle of his own.GOLDEN MOMENT FOR INDIA Glimpses from Dakar as L. Ambekar Meetei brought India's first Gold medal at the 4th Youth Olympic Games 2026. Video courtesy: @olympickhel #IndianBoxing #lambekarmeetei #youtholympicgames https://t.co/Wyey1C0vOD— Boxing Federation (@BFI_official) November 12, 2026That bicycle became an important part of Ambekar's early boxing journey. He continued training under coach Sanabiten at Nongada Boxing Academy, where his progress eventually caught the coach's attention.Recognising his potential, Sanabiten advised the family to enrol him at the National Sports Academy (NSA) in Khuman Lampak. The move would allow Ambekar to concentrate on his education while receiving better opportunities to develop as a boxer.For a family that had to carefully manage its finances, every step required commitment and sacrifice. Yet, Babita said her son never allowed their difficulties to affect his approach to the sport."He never feared challenges and always believed in himself. He takes everything seriously, but has never compromised on his determination," she said.A FAMILY'S SACRIFICE, A HISTORIC ACHIEVEMENTAs Ambekar progressed through the ranks, his journey also involved decisions about where he would represent himself. Babita revealed that her son initially wanted to compete for NSA Imphal. However, following his parents' insistence, he eventually went on to represent Pune's Army Boys.The decision became another important chapter in his development as a boxer. His journey from a small academy in Manipur to the international stage eventually culminated in a historic gold medal at the Youth Olympics.For Babita and the rest of the family, the triumph carries a meaning that goes far beyond the medal. It represents the years when his father struggled to take him to training, the borrowed bicycles, his grandfather's thoughtful gift and the sacrifices made by two parents determined to give their son a chance to pursue his passion.Despite his historic achievement, Ambekar is yet to secure government employment because he has not attained the prescribed age eligibility. Babita remains hopeful that his contribution to Indian sport will eventually be recognised and that her son will receive a government job.For now, the Youth Olympic gold is a reward for a journey that demanded patience from the entire family and extraordinary resolve from a young boxer. Ambekar's achievement has also given fresh hope to aspiring sportspersons from modest backgrounds, showing that financial limitations need not decide how far a dream can travel.- Ends