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Nikhat Zareen: From Taunts to Triumph, Aspiring for Olympic Glory
Nikhat Zareen, hailed as the new face of Indian boxing, has her sights set on Olympic glory after a remarkable journey marked by resilience and determination. Following in the footsteps of legendary boxer Mary Kom, Zareen has already established herself as a two-time world champion and Commonwealth Games gold medallist. As one of the frontrunners in the women's 50kg category for the Paris Olympics, Zareen reflects on her accomplishments and the challenges that shaped her career.
Overcoming Adversity
Born into a conservative Muslim family in Telangana, Zareen's introduction to boxing was unconventional. Accompanying her father to a running training session, she noticed the absence of girls in boxing and questioned if it was exclusively for boys. At the age of 12, her first sparring session left her with a black eye and a bloody nose, fueling her determination to succeed in the sport.
Zareen faced opposition from her family and society, with her mother initially trying to dissuade her from pursuing boxing. Despite being the third of four sisters and enduring the taunts of neighbors, Zareen persevered. She acknowledged the societal limits placed on girls and Muslims, often preventing them from pursuing their dreams.
Pioneering a Path
The path to the top in women's boxing was initially forged by Mary Kom, who rose to global recognition with six world championships, an Olympic bronze, and both Asian and Commonwealth Games golds. Kom's life story was even adapted into a Bollywood movie starring Priyanka Chopra. Despite Kom's numerous achievements, an Olympic gold eluded her.
Zareen showcased her potential early on by winning a junior world cup event at 15. However, a controversial loss to Kom in 2019 thwarted her chances of qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics. Undeterred, Zareen bounced back to claim consecutive world titles in 2022 and 2023.
Handling Expectations and Pressure
As she prepares for the Paris Olympics, Zareen is aware of the high expectations surrounding her. She admits feeling both excitement and nervousness due to the pressure to perform. To stay focused, she connects with family and friends, listens to music, prays, and plays games to alleviate her nerves.
Reflecting on her journey, Zareen expresses astonishment at her transformation from a challenger to a role model for aspiring women boxers. "I never thought a girl who was once a challenger could be the face of Indian boxing," she said.
Zareen's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the breaking of societal barriers, inspiring countless young women to pursue their dreams against all odds.
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