Boxing Canada is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Team Canada athletes Mehreen Khakh (W51, Destiny Boxing, ON) and Lisandro Garcia (M55, The Boxing Club, ON), who each captured bronze medals at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.

Competing against some of the world’s top emerging boxing talent, Khakh and Garcia delivered impressive performances throughout the tournament, advancing to the semifinals and securing their places on the podium. Their accomplishments mark a significant achievement for Canadian boxing and highlight the strength and potential of the country’s next generation of athletes.

Both athletes demonstrated exceptional skill, resilience, and determination, reflecting months of dedicated training, preparation, and commitment to their sport. “Boxing Canada is very proud of our two medalists. Their grit and skill demonstrated the Canadian style of boxing. We look forward to seeing Mehreen and Lisandro, along with the entire U19 team, at the Youth Continental Championships next March in Calgary,” stated Christopher Lindsay, Executive Director of Boxing Canada.

Behind every successful athlete is a dedicated team of coaches, mentors, and supporters. Boxing Canada extends its sincere appreciation to the coaching staff for their leadership, expertise, and unwavering commitment to preparing Canada’s young boxers for international competition. “It has been an absolute pleasure leading these two amazing and highly motivated athletes here in Dakar. Their hard work and preparation over the last several months have really shown, as both Mehreen and Lisandro were successful in reaching their goal of a podium finish against some of the very best boxers in their age category in the world,” said Brad Ross, Canadian Youth Olympic Games Team Coach.

Beyond the competition itself, the Youth Olympic Games provide young athletes with an invaluable opportunity to experience international sport, connect with fellow competitors from around the world, and represent their country on one of the world’s most prestigious youth sporting stages.

For Khakh, the experience has been memorable both inside and outside the ring.  “The Youth Olympic Games have been an incredible experience, from the boxing tournament, to the culture, meeting new people, and overall environment. Everything has been well organized and well-coordinated making the athlete experience even more relaxing and enjoyable,” said Mehreen Khakh, Team Canada bronze medalist.  The success of Khakh and Garcia is not only a proud moment for Team Canada but also a testament to the continued development of boxing across the country. Their performances reinforce the importance of investing in youth development, providing international competitive opportunities, and supporting athletes as they progress toward the highest levels of the sport.

With their sights now set on future international competitions, including the 2027 Pan American Youth Continental Championships in Calgary, Khakh and Garcia represent an exciting future for Canadian boxing.