Nikhat Zareen, a name rapidly gaining recognition in the world of boxing, will represent India at the Paris Olympics 2024. Her power, agility, and unwavering determination have propelled her to become the face of Indian boxing. Despite the lack of noise inside the ring from Indian boxers, Nikhat has been a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes across the nation.
Nikhat Zareen
Age: 28
DOB: June 14, 1996
Sport: Boxing
Birthplace: Nizamabad
MEDAL RECORDS
| Tournament |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Olympics | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| World Championships | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Asian Games | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Asian Championships | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Commonwealth Games | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| World Junior & Youth Championships | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Early Life
Born in Nizamabad, Telangana, India, Zareen’s path to boxing wasn’t conventional. Unlike many boxers, she didn’t come from a family with a rich sporting background. However, her natural talent and passion for the sport, ignited at a young age, led her to pursue boxing.
Raised in an orthodox Muslim family with three sisters, Nikhat Zareen was introduced to sports by her father Mohammad Jameel Ahmad. Having taken up running initially, Nikhat’s journey took an unexpected turn when she questioned the absence of girls in boxing at a local stadium, challenging the stereotype that boxing was exclusive to boys.
Personal Life
Zareen is known for her humility and dedication to her sport. Beyond boxing, she enjoys spending time with her family and actively pursues her education. With that, she has set a powerful example for young athletes. Zareen has been appointed as the staff officer in the Bank of India, zonal office at AC Guards, Hyderabad since June 2021. She was also appointed the official ambassador of her home town Nizamabad, Telangana
Career Highlights
While Zareen’s career is still young compared to some veterans of the sport, she has already achieved remarkable feats:
- Gold Medal at Nations Cup International Boxing Tournament in Serbia (2014)
- Nation Boxing Champion (2015)
- Belgrade International Championship (2018)
- Gold Medal at Women’s Boxing World Championships (2022) in Istanbul
- Gold Medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games (50kg category) in Birmingham
- Gold Medal at Women’s Boxing World Championships (2023) in New Delhi
- Bronze Medal at Asian Games 2023
- Numerous medals at prestigious international tournaments including Asian Championships and Asian Games
Nikhat Zareen Pics
Road to Paris Olympics
Nikhat Zareen’s qualification for the Paris Olympics was a hard-fought victory. Through her consistent performance and dominant victories in qualifying events, she secured her place among the top boxers in the Women’s 50kg category. The 27-year-old became the first Indian boxer to confirm a Paris 2024 Olympic quota by punching her way past Jordan’s Hanan Nassar in the women’s 50kg category at the Hangzhou Gymnasium on September 29.
Training & Preparation
Zareen, under the guidance of her coach, Bhaskar Bhatt, has meticulously planned her training regimen for the Olympics. Her focus lies on sharpening her technical skills, enhancing her footwork and agility, and building her stamina for extended bouts.
She actively participates in training camps and competitions to gain valuable experience and stay in peak physical condition. Zareen also recently went to Germany alongside Lovlina Borgohain to train for Paris Olympics 2024.
Events at Paris Olympics
Women’s 50kg Boxing: Zareen’s explosive fighting style and strategic approach make her a strong contender for the gold medal in the Women’s 50kg category.
The Indian boxing contingent, and the entire nation, will be eagerly watching her journey as she aims to make history.
Latest on Olympics
Quotes and Interviews
Future Prospects
The Paris Olympics mark a significant milestone for Zareen’s boxing career. A potential gold medal win would not only solidify her place as a champion but also serve as a source of immense inspiration for boxers, particularly young girls, in India. Beyond the Games, she aspires to inspire future generations of boxers and continue to be a champion for women’s empowerment in sports.
Conclusion
As Nikhat Zareen steps into the boxing ring at the Paris Olympics, the nation of India will be firmly behind her, cheering her on towards achieving her Olympic dream. Her talent, dedication, and spirit make her a strong contender, and her journey promises to be a captivating chapter in Indian sporting history.
