At the age of 24, Indian boxer Nikhat Zareen has been through hell and back. Ever since 2015, when she entered the senior level, her journey for boxing recognition has been met with resistance at many levels. From dislocating her shoulder in 2017 that led to veiled criticism that she would not make it to the Indian team, to having her ‘right’ of having a trial to represent India in the Olympics given in controversial circumstances, being accused of 'disrespecting' a legend and then ending up having to rely on a government job for financial independence in times of the coronavirus pandemic, Nikhat Zareen has seen many bad things at such a young age.
What was deemed a basic ‘right’ to represent India on the grandest stage in sport got caught up in bureaucratic miscommunication and the superior achievements of one of India’s greatest-ever boxer, MC Mary Kom. In a bitter fight for the right to represent India in Tokyo 2020, MC Mary Kom beat Nikhat Zareen 9-1. But the post-match reaction in which she refused to shake her young competitor’s hands. Further, she was accused of 'disrespect' by MC Mary Kom. In response, Nikhat Zareen also countered by stating that seniors should also respect youngsters
In an exclusive interview to DNA, Nikhat Zareen has opened up on the ugly controversy that still saddens her. “I was supposed to give trials in 51 kg category for World Championships and it could not happen. Since then, I felt bad that I am not getting opportunity. I felt I needed the trial as I had won medals in all competitions in 2019 in 51 kg category. I thought I deserved the trial. I was not fighting to send me directly to the World Championships. I was asking for a trial because I deserved it. That had a huge controversy. I never wanted to be in any controversy and never wanted to fight with anyone,” Nikhat Zareen said.
Nikhat Zareen rues the fact that things with her idol Mary Kom worked out in this way. “When I turned senior to elite level, it was from the 51 kg. I participated in senior nationals in 2015 in Assam. When I went in national camp, it was new for me. There were all the senior boxers and I was the only youngster. I was nervous. First time when I saw my idol MC Mary Kom, I was in shock and was amazed. Everything happens for the good, I reckon. This incident probably happened in order to make myself stronger in coming competitions. But, whatever has happened, as a challenge or whatever has come my way, everyday is made me stronger,” Nikhat Zareen said.
Possessing tremendous mental strength
When she suffered the shoulder dislocation that ruled her out of majority of 2017, there were remarks from many people that she did not have the strength to be in the elite boxing level. People tried to dim her ambitions when no one qualified for Rio 2016 by stating there is always the next Olympics four years later. The experiences from Rio 2016 to Tokyo 2020 have made Nikhat Zareen strong enough to focus on the task in hand and shut out the talk from the outside.
“Many said that already I entered senior level and got injured. It would be very difficult for me to comeback. They told me it would be difficult for me to get into the Indian team after the injury. I kept myself positive by saying that I believe that whatever happens it happens for a good reason. I was working hard. One day, I felt I would make my family proud. I was happy that I started my international journey with a gold medal and also a comeback. That gave me the confidence to get back on track. I had to be mentally prepared. People can talk but I have to be focused on my work,” Nikhat Zareen said.
Indeed, 2019 proved to be landmark year for Nikhat Zareen with bronze in the Asian Championships, Gold in Stranja and silver in the Thailand International Boxing event as well as silver in the National Championships, that too by a marginal split verdict decision which cost her gold.
During the coronavirus lockdown, Nikhat Zareen has had the time to reflect with her family in Hyderabad but she is missing the action. She has also applied for a central government job so that she can also be financially independent.
“For family purposes, since I am the only earning member I have to look for this. All the responsibility is on me. I can focus more on my game. The money will also come and I will also have financial stable. Then, I don’t have to request anyone financially for help for my boxing,” Nikhat Zareen said.
However, she has one message to everyone who is going through a tough time. “First few days, I was happy that I could spend time with my family after a long time. I was spending time with my niece. After a certain time, one or two months, it became boring for me. I could not go outside or train. It became difficult but I amused to it. All gyms and stadiums are open. I am training on my own as I have no coach. I miss those sessions in the national camp. I just want to tell people who are going through such bad times that ‘Believe in yourself. Everything happens for a good reason, believe in god and keep working hard.’” Nikhat Zareen said.
