“Accepting life’s journey means embracing all parts of ourselves” - Nikhat Zareen looks back at Paris Olympics 2024 journey
Indian boxer Nikhat Zareen shared an introspection on her Paris Olympics 2024 journey and said that she is slowly coming to terms with her heartbreaking loss in the Round of 16 in this year’s Summer Olympic Games. Zareen was defeated by China’s Wu Yu in the pre-quarterfinals bout by a unanimous decision of 5-0.
In a heartfelt post on her social media profile, the light flyweight boxer from Nizamabad congratulated her Chinese opponent Wu Yu, who eventually went on to clinch the gold medal in the women’s 50kg boxing event. Nikhat wrote:
“As the Paris Olympics 2024 wraps up, I want to congratulate my opponent, Wu Yu, who has become the Olympic champion.”
However, the 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medalist shared her immense heartbreak after seeing her Olympic dreams crash and burn in the Round of 16.
“Accepting life’s journey means embracing all parts of ourselves: the wins, the losses, the mistakes, the confusion, and everything in between. After dedicating my entire life to a single goal, it’s difficult to accept its outcome,” Nikhat wrote in her post.
Nikhat Zareen’s one-sided loss to top-seeded Wu Yu, while not entirely unexpected, was still a massive blow to the Indian boxing contingent’s hopes of returning with a medal from Paris.
Despite being a two-time World Championships gold medalist, Nikhat Zareen entered the ring as an unseeded boxer. She was also on an extreme diet, which involved fasting for two days to reduce weight. These tough conditions hampered her already slim chances against Wu, who was simply too quick and agile for the Indian pugilist to deal with on the day.
“Focus entirely on what’s next” - Nikhat Zareen shares Los Angeles 2028 goals
Despite her heartbreak, Nikhat Zareen shared that she is ready to get up and prepare for the upcoming Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles, which is scheduled for 2028. The Indian boxer said that she is recovering from her Paris 2024 agony by putting her trust in a higher power, relying on her fate to guide her in the best way.
“In these moments of doubt, I’ve learned that life’s unpredictability is an important part of our growth. It’s okay not to have all the answers right now; if I was on top of the world yesterday, it’s okay to feel lost today because I’m only human,” Nikhat wrote.
“I trust that whatever Allah has planned for me is the best. I’m learning to be okay with knowing that not everything will happen the way I want it to,” she added. "For now, I’m going to embrace the journey of life and focus entirely on what’s next: #LA2028."
Despite her disappointing results in Paris 2024, Nikhat Zareen will get a chance at redemption in Los Angeles 2028. The boxer, who will be 32 by the time the next Olympic Games arrive, will know that the next turn might very well be her last shot at winning an Olympic medal and will look to give it her all to turn her dream into a reality.