--- title: "Petruk secures Ukraine's first-ever girls' boxing medal at the Dakar Youth Olympics" description: "Yevangelina Petruk has reached the semifinals of the Dakar Youth Olympics, securing Ukraine's first-ever girls' boxing medal. She defeated Algerian Bahri 3:2 in the quarterfinals." date: 2026-11-09T19:37:33.179Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/petruk-advances-dakar-youth-olympics-semifinals tags: [boxing, youth-olympic-games, ukraine, dakar-2026, evangelina-petruch, algeria, kazakhstan] author: "Andrey Kosynko" publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Petruk secures Ukraine's first-ever girls' boxing medal at the Dakar Youth Olympics ![Ukrainian boxer Yevangelina Petruk in pink uniform at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar](https://xab.info/media/2026/11/09/petruk-polufinal-yunosheskoj-olimpiady-dakar-2026/petruk-polufinal-yunosheskoj-olimpiady-dakar-2026-1.webp) ## Key Points - Yevangelina Petruk defeated Besmi Bahri (Algeria) with a 3:2 split decision in the Youth Olympics quarterfinals - The Ukrainian guaranteed at least a bronze medal, becoming the first Ukrainian female medalist in boxing at the Youth Olympics - Petruk will face Aknur Tursyngali from Kazakhstan in the semifinals on November 11 Ukrainian boxer Yevangelina Petruk secured a key victory in the quarterfinals of the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, advancing to the tournament semifinals in the 57 kg weight class. In the decisive bout for a spot in the top 4, the Ukrainian defeated Algerian representative Besmi Bahri by a 3:2 split decision. This result automatically guarantees Petruk at least a bronze medal, as both losers of the semifinals receive bronze medals in boxing. ### A turning point: from trailing to a confident victory The course of the quarterfinal meeting was not simple for the Ukrainian. After the first round, Petruk was trailing her opponent, which created a serious risk for the further development of the bout. However, in the next two rounds, Yevangelina completely turned the fight around: she outboxed Bahri, demonstrating more accurate attacks and effective defense. The judges awarded two rounds to the Ukrainian and one to the Algerian, resulting in a 3:2 split decision in favor of Petruk. ### Historical significance for Ukrainian boxing Reaching the semifinals has special significance in the context of Ukrainian boxing history at the Youth Olympic Games. Before this tournament, Ukraine had never won a medal in the girls' boxing event. Thus, regardless of the semifinal outcome, Yevangelina Petruk has already made history as the first Ukrainian athlete to stand on the podium in this discipline at the junior Olympic level. ### Semifinal: opponent from Kazakhstan In the semifinal bout, Petruk will meet Kazakhstan's Aknur Tursyngali. The match is scheduled for Wednesday, November 11, 2026. A victory in this fight will send the Ukrainian to the final of the Youth Olympics, where she will face an opponent determined by the results of the other semifinal. Thus, Petruk has a real opportunity to fight for the gold medal and become the first Ukrainian champion in girls' boxing at the Youth Olympic Games. ### Context: Dakar-2026 and the Ukrainian delegation The 2026 Youth Olympic Games are held in Dakar (Senegal) and represent one of the largest international sporting events for athletes under 18. The Ukrainian delegation is represented in several sports. It was previously reported that a Ukrainian had already won a bronze medal in beach wrestling, making Petruk’s performance in boxing the second medal achievement for the country at these Games. Photos from the competitions show Petruk in the branded pink uniform of the Ukrainian Olympic team with the NOC of Ukraine logo and Olympic rings, as well as an participant badge with a collection of Dakar-2026 pins. ## Fact-Check & Sources - [Украина впервые будет иметь медаль в девичьем боксе на юношеской Олимпиаде: Петрук вышла в полуфинал](https://sport.rbc.ua/ukr/boxing/ukrayina-vpershe-matime-medal-divochomu-boksi-1794252471.html) - The source contains all key facts: 3:2 score, opponent name, historical context, and semifinal date. Photos confirm the participation in Dakar-2026 via the participant badge. ## FAQ ### What was the score of the Petruk vs. Bahri quarterfinal? The bout ended with a 3:2 split decision in favor of Yevangelina Petruk. After trailing in the first round, the Ukrainian won the next two. ### What medal is already guaranteed for Petruk? Reaching the semifinals guarantees at least a bronze medal, as both semifinal losers receive bronze in Olympic boxing. ### When and against whom is the semifinal? The semifinal is scheduled for Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Petruk's opponent will be Aknur Tursyngali from Kazakhstan. ### Why is this result historical for Ukraine? Ukraine had never before won a medal in the girls' boxing tournament at the Youth Olympic Games until Petruk's achievement.