Paris 2024: Nikhat Zareen Eyes Strong Return After Tough Olympic Loss, Plans To Go On Solo Trip

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Nikhat Zareen, visibly exhausted from a tough loss, fought back tears as she spoke about her struggles both in the ring and in the 48 hours leading up to her pre-quarterfinal bout against China's Wu Yu.

Despite being one of India's top medal hopefuls, Nikhat was eliminated from the Olympics after a crushing 0-5 defeat to the top-seeded Chinese boxer at North Paris Arena on Thursday (Aug 1).

"I will come back strong," she repeated multiple times, seemingly trying to convince herself and those around her that her Olympic journey isn't over. Nikhat, a two-time world champion, had trained on an empty stomach and couldn't sleep the night before her match against Yu, who is also the reigning Asian Games gold medallist and 2023 world champion in flyweight (52kg). Her worst fears materialised as she lost the battle of world champions.

Struggles Before the Bout

She revealed that she hadn't eaten for two days to maintain her weight and only had water after the weigh-in. "I ran continuously for one hour many times in the last two days," she said, suggesting that perhaps her body lacked the strength to face such a formidable opponent. "If I had won today, the effort would have been appreciated but it will now look like an excuse. I gave my best," she added.

During the contest, Yu dominated despite Nikhat making a brief comeback in round two. "Can I have some water please," she asked her coach, taking a sip from a half-filled bottle before gathering her thoughts. "Sorry guys, I could not win a medal for the country. I have made a lot of sacrifices to reach here," she said, referring to time spent away from family and intense training sessions.

Plans for Recovery

The two-time World Champion plans to go on a solo trip and spend quality time with her family as part of her recovery process. "I will go on a vacation, on a solo trip. I have never done that. It's much needed. I will spend time with my nephew and niece. I have not done that for long. I will come back strong."

Nikhat dismissed suggestions that she felt pressured but admitted that thoughts of the bout consumed her entirely. "24 hours my mind was on this bout. I just kept thinking about it. It was a good learning experience for me. I had not played her before. She was faster. I will analyse this bout once I am home."

Facing Challenges Head-On

"I was unseeded and this was my second match; she was playing her first; it also impacts," Nikhat explained about the intensity of the bout. "It happens. I lost to the number one seed, no regrets." She stated that she's faced many challenges in life and knows how to tackle them and emerge victorious.

When asked how she would define herself, Nikhat confidently replied, "I am a fighter." She added, "The coach madam (Pranamika Bora) does not call me a tiger for no reason." Despite trying to maintain composure during the 15-minute interaction, she eventually broke down before walking back.

Consoled by journalists from her country, Nikhat walked away saying, "You have to get me an ice-cream." This moment highlighted both her vulnerability and resilience as she looks forward to bouncing back stronger from this setback.