“My body works well if I get nervous” - Nikhat Zareen ahead of Paris Olympics 2024
The 50 kg world champion boxer Nikhat Zareen desires to remain uninjured and stay in a good state of mind to end her Paris Olympics 2024 campaign on the podium. Nikhat stated that she is excited and nervous ahead of the mega event in Paris.
Notably, Nikhat Zareen qualified for the Paris Olympics 2024 after her exceptional performance in the Asian Games 2023, winning the bronze medal after the semi-final exit with a loss to Chuthamat Raksat from Thailand.
Nikhat took part in the virtual interaction organized by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) on Wednesday, June 12. She emphasized that her performance gets better when she is nervous.
“It (getting nervous) is my thing before any competition. My body works well if I get nervous. Besides, I have no experience of competing in the Olympics,” said Nikhat Zareen.
“I have worked on my mistake” - Nikhat Zareen on her Asian Games semi-final exit
After winning the bronze medal in the Asian Games in October 2023, Nikhat got ample time to prepare alongside her fellow coaches at home and abroad.
Speaking about her semi-final loss in the Asian Games, she admitted that she started on a slow note, which cost her a better medal.
“I have worked on my mistake,” stated Nikhat.
Furthermore, her exceptional performances in the Strandja Memorial (silver medal) and Elorda Cup (gold medal) have helped her to be on the right track ahead of the Summer Games in Paris. Nevertheless, Nikhat strongly feels that the quadrennial event will pose a tough challenge.
“Some tough opponents are there, but I cannot ignore others. With no ranking and no seeding, luck will play its part. Hope to get a good draw,” she added.
After achieving her first dream of becoming the world champion, the two-time world champion boxer hailing from Nizamabad is confident of fulfilling her second dream of ending on the podium in her first Olympics in Paris.
“I never thought a girl who was once seen as a challenger (to the iconic Mary Kom) could be the face of Indian boxing. I am blessed and grateful to have achieved my dream of becoming a World champion. Now, I want to fulfill my second dream of winning an Olympic medal," she said.
During the interaction, other Paris Olympics 2024 quota holders such as Preeti Pawar, Amit Panghal, Nishant Dev, and Jaismine Lamboria were also present.