Indian Boxer Nikhat Zareen Strives for Historic First Olympic Gold at Paris 2024
Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News
6 minutes read. Updated 10:12AM GMT Wed, 17July, 2024
Nikhat Zareen, a young and determined boxer from Nizamabad in the southern state of Telangana, India, is on a mission to win India’s first Olympic gold in boxing at the Paris 2024 Olympics. With a dream to become the best female boxer in India, Zareen started her boxing journey at the age of 13, challenging stereotypes and societal norms along the way.
Zareen’s boxing career took off with a remarkable victory at the Youth World Championships in 2011. Eleven years later, she clinched gold in the 52kg category at the senior World Championships in 2022. This victory placed her alongside legendary boxer Mary Kom, who won India’s first-ever Olympic medal in women’s boxing at the 2012 London Games.
In 2023, Zareen strategically transitioned to the 50kg category, aligning with the weight class featured in the Paris 2024 Olympic roster. She promptly secured her second IBA World Championship gold medal, consolidating her position as a top contender for the upcoming Olympics, which begin on July 26.
Historically, only two Indian female boxers have ever won an Olympic medal. Mary Kom secured a bronze in the Flyweight division in 2012, and Lovlina Borgohain won a bronze in the Welterweight division at Tokyo 2020. An Olympic gold for Zareen would elevate her into the pantheon of Indian boxing greats alongside the six-time world champion, Kom.
In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, Zareen shared insights into her early days in boxing, growing up in an orthodox family, and her aspirations for the future.
“I initially competed in 100m and 200m events in athletics. One day, I noticed that women participated in every sport except boxing and asked my father why. He told me that society didn’t think girls were strong enough for such sports, which I found odd. I decided to prove everyone wrong and took up boxing in 2009,” Zareen recalled.
Despite her mother’s initial concerns about the physical nature of boxing, Zareen’s father supported her decision. “My mother was worried about injuries affecting my future, but I assured her that if I made a name in boxing, finding a groom wouldn’t be an issue,” she said with a smile.
Facing cultural barriers and societal skepticism, Zareen persevered. “People questioned why my parents allowed me to pursue boxing, a dangerous sport, especially since our family wasn’t financially stable. But my father’s unwavering support helped me push through those challenges,” she shared.
As she prepares for the Paris Olympics, Zareen remains focused on her goal. “I’ve given my best in all competitions and won several medals. I aim to put in 100 percent of my efforts at the Olympics. Winning an Olympic medal has always been my dream,” she stated.
When asked about the pressure of high expectations, Zareen expressed gratitude. “When I wasn’t famous, I dreamt of being recognized for my hard work. Now, people see me as a medal prospect for the Olympics, and it motivates me to stay focused and avoid distractions.”
Regarding comparisons with Mary Kom, Zareen humbly acknowledged, “Mary Kom is an inspiration and a six-time world champion. While breaking her record is impossible, I aim to do my best at the Olympics and hopefully fight for a silver or gold medal.”
Reflecting on her journey and rise as an inspiration for others, Zareen said, “I didn’t expect to inspire others. My father encouraged me to take up boxing because I wasn’t great at studies, and we believed I could secure a government job through sports quota. With each victory, my passion for boxing grew. After winning the World Championship gold, parents began reaching out, wanting their daughters to take up boxing. After retiring, I plan to build a training academy to help children achieve their dreams.”
As Zareen prepares for her first Olympics, she remains focused and determined. “I have decided to stay away from distractions like social media to remain focused. I aim to perform calmly and composedly at the Olympics, just as I have in previous competitions.”
For more insights into Nikhat Zareen’s journey and her preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympics, stay tuned to Al Jazeera and follow the latest updates on her inspiring quest for Olympic gold.
