Two-time women’s world boxing champion, Nikhat Zareen, shared her profound disappointment after falling short of her Olympic dream in Paris. In a heartfelt message on social media, she acknowledged the countless hours of training, sacrifices, and unwavering determination she poured into her quest. “After countless hours of training, sacrifices, and unwavering determination, this moment slipped through my fingers,” Nikhat wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “This defeat is the hardest I’ve ever faced; it cuts deep and is almost unbearable. My heart is heavy, but it remains unbroken. I accept it with grace and will do my best to find a way forward in my life.”
The 28-year-old boxer, born in Nizamabad and having garnered national and international acclaim, described her Olympic ambition as her greatest dream. “Winning an Olympic medal was my greatest dream, and I fought with everything I had to get here. The Paris 2024 journey was filled with challenges—battling through a year of injury, struggling to reclaim my spot, fighting for the opportunity to compete, and overcoming countless obstacles, all for the chance to represent our country on this global stage,” she explained.
Despite her valiant efforts, Nikhat acknowledged the harsh reality of her situation. “I’m deeply grateful for the chance to pursue my dream, but destiny had other plans. Not achieving it here in Paris is devastating. I wish I could turn back time and put in even more effort for a different outcome, but that remains a wish.”
However, Nikhat’s spirit remained undeterred. “I promise this isn’t the end. I’ll return home to recover and clear my mind. This dream is still alive, and I will continue to chase it with renewed passion. This is not goodbye but a promise to return, to fight harder, and to make you all proud. Thank you for standing by me. The journey continues.”
