Nikhat Zareen: Boxing’s Unstoppable Force Aimed at Olympic Gold
Nikhat Zareen, India’s fierce boxing sensation, has been on an unbeatable streak since March 2022, clinching two world titles and a Commonwealth Games gold. Her dominance in the ring has been nothing short of spectacular, reflecting her relentless pursuit of a bigger goal – an Olympic medal.
With every victory, Zareen’s determination to secure a spot at the 2024 Paris Olympics becomes more evident. The Asian Games in Hangzhou represent a crucial step towards this dream, as four Olympic berths will be up for grabs in her weight category, light flyweight (50kg). A semi-final berth at the Asian Games would secure her ticket to Paris.
At just 27 years old, Zareen is poised to contend strongly for a gold medal at the Asian Games, a feat previously achieved by only one Indian women’s boxer, Mary Kom. Zareen’s strength, mental toughness, and unwavering dedication were evident at the world championships, where she navigated through six grueling bouts.
Her path to victory at the Worlds included a hard-fought win against Thailand’s Chuthamat Raksat, a two-time world championships medalist. Nikhat’s relentless attacks and adaptability to different styles have elevated her game to new heights.
Zareen’s journey from Nizamabad, Telangana, to the pinnacle of boxing is truly inspirational. She faced Mary Kom in a selection trial before the Tokyo Olympics, using it as a stepping stone for her own growth. Nikhat’s commitment to her training and discipline sets her apart, making her an undisputed choice in her weight category.
Re-reported from the article originally published in Hindustan Times
