The Setback That Won’t Break Nikhat Zareen
As a seasoned boxer, Nikhat Zareen’s combination with the right was a telltale sign of her dominance in the ring. But on Thursday, her right fist failed to sing its usual tune, and she suffered a one-sided defeat to Chinese world number one Wu Yu in the women’s 50kg Round of 16 at the Paris Olympics.
The Indian boxer, a two-time world champion, entered the ring with a smile, but left with tears in her eyes, apologizing for not being able to deliver the expected performance. Her loss was a humbling realization of why an Olympic medal remains the holy grail for most athletes.
The setback was exacerbated by a series of bad news for India’s contingent on the day. Men’s doubles badminton duo Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty were beaten in the quarterfinals, while rifle shooter Sift Kaur Samra and Anjum Moudgil failed to qualify for the final round.
Bruised Ego, Feeling of Injustice
Nikhat’s mind was a web of colliding emotions after the bout. Her ego was bruised, acknowledging that she lost to a better opponent. She felt a sense of injustice, thinking that she was handed a rough draw and had to compete in an extra bout compared to Wu Yu. Her stomach was growling, having gone two days without eating to maintain her weight. And to make matters worse, she was feeling homesick, longing to spend time with her parents, nephew, and niece.
A Tough Draw and a Sleepless Night
Nikhat’s weight worries didn’t help her cause. She was at least 2-3 kilos over the 50kg limit and had to fast for two days to ensure she remained within the weight limit. The boxer admitted that she didn’t have the knowledge of how to face Wu Yu, who was faster and more agile than her.
"I couldn’t sleep last night because I hadn’t eaten anything. My mind was 24 hours active, thinking that I’d drink water, and eat immediately after weigh-in. If I had won the bout and said this, people would appreciate it. Since I have lost, people will say it’s an excuse. But honestly, I couldn’t sleep last night, you can check my data," she said.
A Lesson Learned and a Solo Trip
Nikhat knows that she has to get physically and mentally stronger for the Los Angeles Olympics four years from now. She believes that her performance in Paris won’t rank as a disappointment, despite the setback. "I’ve put in all the effort that I could. I’ve slogged in training, sparred with boys, faced minor injuries. I’ve trained through those injuries. But this Olympic performance I wouldn’t count as a disappointment. Unfortunately, I landed a tough draw," she said.
After the Paris Games, Nikhat is planning a solo trip to recharge and refocus. She wants to spend time with her family and do things that were put on the back burner during her intense training regime.
A Fighter’s Spirit
Nikhat’s journey has never been easy, and it won’t remain tough going forward. But the Indian boxer is a fighter, and her spirit will remain unchanged. "My journey has never been easy, and it will remain tough going forward. (But) Nikhat Zareen is a fighter, be it in life or the ring," she said.
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