Two women who have redefined sports narratives in India. Two very different careers and yet very similar. Both are rebels in their own way. And yet very conventional. Both resilient and passionate athletes who are role models to many of us. Both from the same city which had little or no tradition of their respective sports and yet both broke barriers to be the best in the world. Sania Mirza and Nikhat Zareen are two such champions who headline the Trailblazers Conclave and will be together in a panel titled ‘Women Power’ on International Women’s Day on March 8, 2024.
For Sania, the road to the top wasn’t easy. No Indian had ever been there and each step was a new territory. With motherhood more so. That’s why Sania is special. Each time she was challenged, she responded on her own terms. She isn’t perfect. No one is. But then, imperfect is the new perfect, for eventually her fight defines her. She faced controversy on the way and came out triumphant. That’s why she inspires and that’s what we will celebrate on International Women’s Day.
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Nikhat is similar. With Mary Kom, she had to wait for years for her opportunity. Mentally it couldn’t have been easy. But then, when she got her opportunity she did not look back. Winning back-to-back world championships and also the CWG gold, not to forget an Asian Games medal, Nikhat will surely be a strong medal contender for India in Paris. She, too, much like Sania, hasn’t had it easy. At every step there has been adversity. And yet she has made it to the top and is now the poster girl for Indian boxing.
How do they both deal with adversity? Does pressure lay them low like it does to many? How is Nikhat getting ready for Paris and how did Sania motivate herself to make it back post motherhood? Will the Olympics make it tougher for Nikhat or is she the best prepared that she can be?
This is one panel I am personally much looking forward to listening to at the conclave.
Also Read: Sania Mirza – Standing for Empowerment