As a busy 12 months of sports activities gallops to the end line, India’s high athletes pause and replicate; inform the tales of their podium highs, battered our bodies and shattered desires. In a particular sequence, some look again with fondness, a couple of others with regrets. However all with the hope – and want – of a greater 2025.
In my thoughts, there have been solely two boxers who I used to be taking a look at as competitors on the Paris Olympics.
One was the Chinese language boxer Wu Yu and the second was Turkey’s Buse Naz Cakiroglu. Sadly, the Chinese language boxer was drawn in my pool and we needed to face one another in an early spherical. That was very disappointing for me. Not simply because I used to be dealing with her within the beginning spherical, but in addition as a result of my bout was within the morning session the place I knew I wouldn’t be getting any restoration. The night time earlier than my battle, I attempted to sleep however with no meals and no air con in Paris, I wasn’t capable of get the remainder I wanted.
Once I misplaced, I didn’t present any emotion within the ring. After which I got here again to the media zone the place everybody was telling me ‘Nikhat, nicely performed’. These phrases made me emotional. Internally I used to be considering, ‘Nikhat don’t say something in entrance of the media’. However then a couple of of the faces had been acquainted and so they had been attempting to console me. And that made me cry.
Inside 48 hours after our bout, we had been speculated to exit the Video games Village and I returned to India. I had determined that after Paris, I received’t speak to anybody, I received’t meet anybody. I need a while to spend alone. However the place can we get privateness in our Indian households? After coming house, everybody visited. And what occurs amongst us Muslims? When somebody travels far-off or somebody goes to journey or goes to do some good work, they provide you flowers, they offers you sweets, they offers you cash.
India’s Nikhat Zareen throughout her ladies’s 50kg Spherical of 16 boxing match in opposition to China’s Wu Yu on the 2024 Summer season Olympics, in Paris, France.
You received’t consider it however I used to be so shy I used to be hiding my face like a brand new bride. I simply couldn’t face anybody. I couldn’t even cry as soon as or speak to anybody as soon as I got here house. I by no means present my feelings in entrance of my household as a result of I’ve a distinct character in my household. They suppose that I’m a dabang kind girl. I don’t cry – I make everybody cry. That’s why I by no means spoke to them relating to my Olympics. Perhaps they don’t know a lot about sports activities life. They don’t understand how we undergo it and what we face.
After getting back from Paris, I might keep in my room at house all day. Mother used to inform me to come back out and watch TV however I might maintain scrolling Instagram. Earlier, I might get humorous reels however quickly Instagram’s algorithm began displaying me motivational posts as an alternative of the same old. I used to get reels like, ‘No matter God does, is finished on goal. Perhaps it was on your betterment’.
Sooner or later my sister coaxed me out to take a stroll. We went and ended up at a pet retailer. Golden retrievers and chow chows are my two favorite canine breeds. And I picked up one golden retriever. She was comfy in my arms and my coronary heart was caught on her. We didn’t have any plan to undertake however my sister informed me to take her. I wasn’t certain of my schedule or how lengthy I might be in Hyderabad however my sister mentioned she would care for it. Now watching Instagram reels in my room alone has gone and taking part in with ‘Bella’ has grow to be routine.
I additionally went to Gulmarg for a brief trip. I needed to trek nevertheless it began raining closely. On the second day, I informed him, ‘Anwar bhai, aaj kuch bhi ho trek pe jaana padega’. I didn’t know after I must return to boxing however these sorts of alternatives wouldn’t be doable then. I stayed in Gulmarg for a couple of days and did a couple of extra treks earlier than returning. By the top of the journey, I made a decision that at some point I need to dwell in Kashmir.
For now, the main focus will return to the World Championships in September 2025 and the World Cup Finals being hosted in India. One factor I learnt from Paris was that the competitors in India is so powerful that by the point we attain the Olympics, issues get actually powerful.
2024 was hectic. 2023 was additionally stuffed with competitions and camps. Now I understand how a lot I ought to push myself and wherein competitors. Everybody needs to win competitions. However nobody can push themselves greater than their psychological well being permits. In the event you lose, you lose.
Once I got here again, my state authorities rewarded me with the DSP publish. I’m very grateful to them that they gave me this job. However deep down, I didn’t get what I needed in life. I’ve received medals within the Asian Championships, Asian Video games, Commonwealth Video games, and World Championships. However there is just one medal left. I’ve to finish that.
– As informed to Shashank Nair
Wanting ahead to 2025
Redemption 12 months: Already a world champion twice, the boxer may have an opportunity so as to add a 3rd title to her kitty, a consequence that would act as a balm after the Olympics heartbreak.
Whereas 2025 shall be a key 12 months for boxing—the game will be taught its destiny vis-a-vis the LA Olympics—the anomaly over who runs the game has led to 2 World Championships, one by the Worldwide Boxing Affiliation (not supported by the IOC) and one other by World Boxing, which is quick gaining legitimacy. The World Boxing championship shall be in Liverpool in September.
In November, Nikhat may have an opportunity to shine at house when India hosts the World Boxing Cup Remaining in November 2025.
Key dates: World Championships, Liverpool, September 4 to 14
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