Trisha Ghosal
In the high-stakes world of Olympic boxing, India’s Nikhat Zareen faced an uphill battle from the moment she stepped into the ring. The unseeded two-time world champion was up against Wu Yu, the reigning Asian Games champion and top seed in the women’s 50kg boxing event at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Despite her best efforts, Nikhat lost 5-0, a unanimous decision that ended her medal hopes prematurely.
The disappointment was palpable as Nikhat emerged to speak with Indian journalists, tears in her eyes. “I am sorry I couldn’t get a medal for the country,” she said, her voice heavy with emotion. It was a heart-wrenching moment for the boxer from Hyderabad, who had cut down her weight from 53 kg to 50 kg in a bid to compete. Her dedication was evident; she hadn’t eaten for the last two days, only allowing herself food after her weight was taken on the morning of the bout.
When asked if the weight cut had affected her energy in the ring, Nikhat responded with the resilience of a true athlete: “I did my best. I faced Wu Yu for the first time and I will learn from this.” Her words reflected a fighter’s spirit, undeterred by a single setback.
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Nikhat’s journey to the Olympics was anything but easy. Her qualification came courtesy of a bronze medal at the Asian Games last year, a testament to her hard work and determination. But the Olympics proved to be a different challenge altogether, with four out of six Indian boxers, including Nikhat, being eliminated from the tournament already.
Reflecting on her future, Nikhat said, “I will try to take a solo trip. I have worked very hard to reach here and it has drained me. I haven’t spent time with my family properly since 2022. My nieces and nephews have grown up and I haven’t been able to give them enough time. Now, I will take some time off and spend it with them.”
Her words reveal the human side of an athlete’s life, often overshadowed by their sporting achievements. The sacrifices they make, the time away from family, and the mental and physical toll it takes are realities that are rarely seen by the public.
Despite the disappointment, Nikhat remained undaunted. “Mam [her coach] calls me Tiger,” she said. “I am one and I will fight back. I will make a comeback. I will be better and I will do much better.”
As the boxing tournament progresses, India still have hope with Tokyo 2020 medallist LovlinaBorgohain and Nishant Dev making it to their respective quarter-finals. But for now, we celebrate Nikhat Zareen – not just for her achievements in the ring, but for her unwavering spirit and the promise of a triumphant return.
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