Exclusive! 'Nikhat Zareen Will Stop At Nothing Less Than Boxing Gold at Paris Olympics 2024,' Claims Father

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Hyderabad, Jul 30: Indian boxing's poster girl, Nikhat Zareen, made a winning start in her debut Olympic bout at the North Paris arena in Paris. The ace Indian pugilist, a two-time world champion, prevailed over Germany's Maxi Kloetzer in a hard-fought bout in the round of 32, booking her ticket to the pre-quarterfinals in this global event.

Nikhat, one of India's medal hopes, faces a tougher challenge in the next round as she takes on top-seeded Asian Games and reigning flyweight world champion Wu Yu of China on Thursday, August 1.

Wu received a bye to the round of 16 as the top-seeded boxer and comes into the bout as one of the favourites. For Nikhat, who has been on a roll in the last 15 months, this match represents a crucial step towards joining the elite group of MC Mary Kom and Lovlina Borgohain, both of whom won Olympic bronze.

The 28-year-old Telangana boxer's father is confident his champion daughter will finish on the podium in Paris and believes she will settle for nothing but gold. In an exclusive telephonic chat with MyKhel, Nikhat's father, Mohammad Jameel Ahmed, who was on the way to Paris, claimed the match against Wu Yu is the biggest hurdle, as the Chinese boxer stands between Nikhat and the elusive gold.

Speaking ahead of the upcoming bout, Mr Jameel told myKhel, "There is one match between Nikhat and the Gold. Wu Yu is no match for Nikhat technically. She has always won against inferior competition in the 52 kg category. Nikhat is technically very sound.

"She might be the number one seed, but Nikhat is a world champion too. I have spoken to Nikhat, and we have identified the weaknesses of the Chinese boxer and are fully prepared. Despite the rusty start, Nikhat got back into form in her first bout and I am confident she will win the next tie 5-0."

Speaking of the medal prospects, Mr Jameel added, "As I have mentioned previously, I feel there is one match between Nikhat and the Gold Medal. If you look at the draw, we sort of get an idea of who Nikhat could face in the quarters, semis, and finals.

"Nikhat has battled and defeated the most challenging opponents in her previous tournaments. Therefore, without any doubt, I can say that all the hard work my daughter has put in will pay off. Nikhat will definitely secure the Gold Medal for our country. We are immensely proud of what she has achieved and will continue to do so."

Acknowledging the contribution of the coaching staff provided by the Boxing Federation of India (BFI), Mr Jameel said, "All the coaches, support staff, psychologists, and counsellors have put in a lot of hard work. They have helped Nikhat immensely. Without them, Nikhat wouldn't be the same."

Mr Jameel, who coached Nikhat in the early stages of her career, thanked the coaching staff for their dedication and efforts in honing his daughter's skills. "They worked extensively on the mental aspect of the game as well. I would like to thank each one of them for all their dedication and the authorities for backing my child as well.

"I'd like to repeat that we aren't going to stop at anything except the Gold medal, and this will be a win for every single citizen of the country," he signed off.

Nikhat has always attributed much of her success to her father's unwavering support, despite the challenges posed by societal norms in her community. Her journey has been a roller-coaster ride, coming from a community where women lack support. But her father, an athlete himself, knew what it takes to become a champion and always supported her.