Nikhat Zareen: I became a better boxer mentally after recovering from injury - Exclusive Interview

Add as a preferred source on Google

New Delhi, March 15: Star India boxer Nikhat Zareen is looking forward to defending her title in the IBA Women's World Boxing Championships 2023, starting Wednesday (March 15) in New Delhi.

Zareen - who became world champion last year after winning gold in IBA Women's Boxing Championship 2022 in Istanbul in the 52 kg category - has changed her weight category to 50 kg - which is an Olympic category.

The Nizamabad-born boxer is excited to play in front of the home crowd and confident of faring well in the new weight category as she competed in the same category at the Commonwealth Games 2022, where she bagged the yellow metal.

The 26-year-old in an exclusive chat with MyKhel talked about the prospects of playing in front of the home crowd, the impact she wants to have in Indian boxing, her plans for the year 2023 and the lessons she had from injuries.

Here are the excerpts:

Q: What according to you will be the biggest highlight of this tournament being held at home?

Ans: The biggest impact of this tournament will be on the young athletes who have only watched me box on television screens or mobile phones. The World Championships being held at home means, the fans will get a chance to see us box in front of their eyes. It will encourage youngsters to take up boxing gloves and pursue a career in it. Also, it will motivate the parents to promote their kids to pick up boxing and build a career out of it. So, I want to inspire the younger generation to take up boxing.

Q: You have already become an inspiration for millions of young girls. Does that put any pressure on you?

Ans: No, it feels good when young kids say they also want to be a boxer like Nikhat Zareen. This motivates me to do well and give my 200 per cent in the boxing ring. For me, this is just a start and my ultimate dream is to win a medal at Paris Olympics. Until that dream is fulfilled, I am not going to take things easy. I want to better myself with every passing day. I am aiming to win the gold medal at the World Championships and defend my title.

Q: How challenging is this new weight category going to be for you keeping Asian Games and Olympic qualifications in mind?

Ans: As it is an Olympic weight category it is going to be challenging. But preparation wise I have done all the hard yards. The confidence I got from three consecutive gold medals last year has amplified my confidence. I am looking forward to giving my best here. Whatever might be the result, I am not going to take any undue pressure because I will take this competition as a preparation for Asian Games and Olympic qualifiers. But I am excited to box in this weight category in front of the home crowd.

Q: You also had your share of injuries in the past. How challenging it is for an athlete, physically and mentally, to make a strong comeback.

Ans: Injuries are part of an athlete's life. I also suffered an injury in 2017 when I dislocated my shoulder. It kept me away from the sport for nearly one year. That period taught me a lot. Before the injury layoff, I was physically fit, but after that, I became mentally strong. After making a comeback, my sole objective was to give my best and win a medal for my country.

Q: Biryani is your favourite, but distanced yourself away from it after winning the boxing nationals in Bhopal earlier this year. So, are you going to feast upon biryani after winning gold here?

Ans: Yes, I'll savour all of my favourite dishes after winning a gold medal here.