Even Boxers have Limits: Nikhat Zareen on Performance…

The two-time world champion boxer, Nikhat Zareen, recently returned from the World Boxing Championships in Liverpool. This event marked her first international outing post a year-long injury. Despite not bagging a medal, she is not disappointed but resolved. She made her international comeback at the championships after her second-round exit at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Nikhat won her initial two bouts skillfully, but eventually lost a quarterfinal against Turkey’s Buse Naz Cakiroglu, a two-time Olympic silver medalist and the eventual silver winner in Liverpool.

Zareen stated that she appreciates how she did not give up despite the circumstances. Specifically, she highlights the pressure endured by top-level athletes like herself, both mental and physical, referring to the constant cycle of camps, assessments, and competitions. Nikhat also stressed the necessity to maintain fitness, rhythm, and purpose. She proposes a policy revision where second-ranked boxers should get opportunities to participate in some of the events.

After attending the World Championships, Nikhat had barely three days at home before returning to the national camp in Patiala. She had to promptly begin her preparation for the upcoming World Boxing Cup Finals. The boxer comments on the constant strain on her body and her scarce opportunities to properly rest. She also mentioned the rapid turnover of events, pointing out that after the Nationals in December comes the Asian Championships in January, and again in March, the 2026 World Championships.

The Boxing Federation of India has announced a 20-member squad for the approaching men’s and women’s World Boxing Cup Finals to be held from Nov 14-21 in Greater Noida. The 10-member women’s team includes Nikhat Zareen (51kg), Jaismine Lamboria, Minakshi Hooda, Pooja Rani, Saweety Boora, and Nupur Sheoran.