Tired of a challenging defeat, Nikhat Zareen bravely held back tears as she recounted the trials she faced inside the ring and in the 48 hours leading up to her pre-quarterfinal fight against China’s Wu Yu, until she finally succumbed to her emotions. Considered one of India’s biggest medal contenders ahead of the Games, Nikhat was eliminated from the Olympics after a heartbreaking 0-5 defeat to the Chinese boxer at Paris’ North Arena on Thursday. “I will come back strong,” she said at least five times, probably trying to convince herself and everyone around her that the Olympic path doesn’t end here for her.
Nikhat, a two-time world champion, trained on an empty stomach, couldn’t sleep the night before the pre-quarterfinals and was thinking about his match against current Asian Games gold medalist Yu, who is also the 2023 flyweight world champion ( 52kg).
Eventually, her worst fears came true when she lost the battle of the world champions.
It was clear that this defeat will haunt her for a long time. Yu dominated the contest even though Nikhat made a brief comeback in the second round, but that wasn’t enough.
“Can I have some water, please?” she said, pointing to her trainer, took a sip from the half-full bottle and collected her thoughts.
“Sorry guys, I couldn’t win a medal for the country. I made a lot of sacrifices to get here. I prepared myself well mentally and physically for this Olympics,” she said, referring to the time she spent away from her family and the tough training sessions for which she went through.
“I hadn’t eaten in the last two days, I had to maintain my weight. I didn’t even drink water, and only after the weigh-in I drank some water, but I didn’t have time to recover, I was first in the ring today,” said Nikhat, who dropped down from his preferred weight division of 52 kg because he didn’t participate of the Paris Olympics.
“I ran continuously for an hour many times in the last two days”, implying that perhaps his body did not have the strength to face the formidable Chinese opponent over the three rounds.
“If I had won today the effort would have been appreciated, but now it will feel like an excuse. I gave my best,” she recounted her struggle.
The two-time world champion says she plans to go on a trip alone and spend some quality time with her family as she takes the first step toward healing from the heartbreaking loss.
“I’m going on vacation, traveling alone. I’ve never done that. It’s very necessary. I’m going to spend time with my nephew and niece. I haven’t done that in a long time. I’ll come back strong.”
Nikhat dismissed suggestions that he felt pressure, but admitted that the fight had completely consumed his thoughts.
“I was thinking about this fight for 24 hours. I kept thinking about it. It was a good learning experience for me. I had never faced her before. She was faster. I’ll analyze this fight when I get home.
“I wasn’t seeded and this wasn’t my first match, she was playing her first, that also has an impact. It was an intense fight. her life and she knows how to face them and emerge victorious.
Asked how she would define herself, she roared: “I am a fighter.” “Madam coach (Pranamika Bora) doesn’t call me tiger for no reason.”
She tried to put on a brave face during the 15-minute interaction, but finally broke down before returning. Consoled by journalists in her country, she returned saying: “You have to bring me ice cream.”
(Except the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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