Nikhat Zareen was not forcing herself after Paris 2024 with uncertainty over Boxing’s inclusion in the LA 2028 roster.
However, after the sport’s recent inclusion in LA 2028 and the World Boxing’s provisional recognition, Zareen’s hope of an Olympic medal is renewed.
“After Paris, I was heartbroken that my dreams of an Olympic medal are over. But then we got the news that boxing is included in LA And now there is renewed hope of another chance to represent India at the Olympics. I hope to not repeat the mistakes of Paris but there is a lot of time for that,” Nikhat said on the sidelines of the Women’s National Championships.
“Post Paris, I was not sure if boxing would be there so I was not putting pressure on myself either to get back to competition, I was taking it slow. But now I am happy. I believe every athlete should have clarity when they prepare for any competition otherwise they are also clueless what they are working hard for,” she added.
Zareen was undergoing rehab at the Pullela Gopichand Academy after suffering a meniscus tear following the Paris 2024. She has been training under SAI coach Sunny Ghalawat and is hoping for a return to the ring after May.
“An athlete should not be away from competition for long because then there is a feeling of disconnect or detachment with the sport. It happened with me also after Paris but in my case it’s because of injury. If I was fit I would have definitely participated here. Every athlete wants to participate in any competition they get but we can’t help it. I can’t comment on those not participating but I am happy that my team is and hope they will win medals for Telangana,” she insisted.
With a new global body in office and a new set of competitions on the calendar, Nikhat is hoping to be ready for the World Boxing Cups in Kazakhstan (June) and Czech Republic (July). “I want to take it one competition at a time. Main focus is on the World Championships in September and the World Boxing Cup season finale at home and then next year there will be Asian Games and the CWG,” she hoped.
Nikhat feels good that she’s turning an inspiration for the youth. “It feels nice young girls are coming up, taking pictures and looking up to me. I did the same with Mary Kom and I am really grateful for everything,” she said.
The pain of Paris 2024 is shaping her future. You just don’t move on so easily from anything. But you have to accept it, focus on the future and work harder going ahead,” she signed off.
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