Olympics 2024: Boxer Nikhat Zareen Reveals When She Started Training For Paris Games

Add as a preferred source on Google

India's medal hope in boxing at the upcoming Olympics 2024, Nikhat Zareen had revealed that she started preparing for the Paris Games the moment India finished their campaign in Tokyo 2020.

In an exclusive feature on JioCinema's 'The Dreamers,' Zareen shared her inspiring journey and preparation for the upcoming Olympics as she delivered a message to her critics.

Nikhat, who is set to make her first Olympic appearance, said she has been laser-focused on Paris 2024 since the conclusion of India's campaign at Tokyo 2020 and is confident that this is her moment to shine.

"When India's campaign in the Tokyo Olympics ended, that day I decided to channel my focus into preparing for the Paris Olympics. I also posted a picture on social media about the countdown to Paris," said Zareen.

"I think everyone has their moment, and this is my moment. Whoever said I wouldn't make it to Paris, I finally made it. I'll take all the negativity and positivity around me positively, try to get better, and come as a different fighter inside the ring in Paris."

Reflecting on her path to success, Zareen attributes much of her success to her father's unwavering support, despite the challenges posed by societal norms in her community.

"My journey has been a roller coaster ride, coming from a community where women lack support. But my father, an athlete himself, knew what it takes to become a champion. He always supported me in my journey.

"He told me to focus on boxing and said, 'When you fulfill your dream of winning a medal for the country, that day these people will come to congratulate you and take selfies.'"

Zareen emphasized the sacrifices necessary to reach the pinnacle of her sport, underscoring the unique challenge of becoming an Olympic Champion.

"I have sacrificed many things to become a World Champion, but becoming an Olympic Champion is different. Whenever I am preparing for competitions, I stay away from social media. I don't talk much with my family or friends. I spend time with myself, and I try to use it the right way. I read a lot of books also," she shared.

"This time, in preparation for Paris 2024, I'll try to stay away from all these distractions, and I'll try to stay as positive as possible and work harder to leave no stone unturned for Paris."

Providing a glimpse into her pre-fight mindset, Zareen emphasized the importance of giving her all in every bout.

"I go in with the motive to give my best so that whatever happens inside the ring, whatever the result might be, I shouldn't have the regret that I could have won the bout if I had given 10% more. I don't want that regret, so I go in with the mindset to always give my 100%," Zareen said.

On route to Paris 2024, Nikhat Zareen has won two World Championships Gold medals, a Gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and a Bronze at the 2022 Asian Games.

She is among six Indian boxers who have qualified for Paris 2024, competing in the women's 50kg category. While Nikhat will box in the women's flyweight category, Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain will compete in women's middleweight.

Jaismine Lamboria and Preeti Pawar will compete in women's featherweight and bantamweight categories respectively, while Nishant Dev and Amit Panghal will box in the men's light welterweight and flyweight categories respectively.

Source: Media Release