Nikhat Zareen-As the Paris Olympics 2024 approaches, Nikhat Zareen’s focus shifts to the ultimate prize. Having secured a spot in the round of 16 with a commanding victory over Maxi Carina Kloetzer, she stands on the cusp of history. A tough challenge awaits in the form of China’s Wu Yu, but Zareen’s resilience and fighting spirit make her a formidable opponent.
The nation watches with bated breath as she prepares to step into the ring. A gold medal at the Olympics would not only be a personal triumph but also a watershed moment for Indian women’s boxing. With her exceptional talent, unwavering determination, and the support of the nation behind her, Nikhat Zareen is poised to script a new chapter in India’s sporting history.
1st August, Thursday-Boxing – Women’s 50kg Round of 16 – 2:30pm onwards
Nikhat Zareen, a name synonymous with Indian boxing, has rapidly ascended to global prominence. Hailing from Nizamabad, Telangana, she displayed an innate talent for sports from a young age. While initially drawn to running, a chance encounter with a boxing gym ignited her passion for the pugilistic art.
Her journey to the top has been marked by unparalleled dedication and hard work. A gold medal at the 2011 AIBA Women’s Youth & Junior World Boxing Championships served as a precursor to her future dominance. The subsequent years witnessed her consistent rise, culminating in gold medals at the 2022 Istanbul and 2023 New Delhi IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships. Her triumph at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games solidified her status as a national icon.
Beyond her sporting achievements, Nikhat Zareen is an inspiration to millions. Appointed as the official ambassador of her hometown, she continues to motivate young girls to pursue their dreams. Her journey from a small town to the global boxing arena is a testament to her unwavering spirit and determination.
Personal and Professional Information
| Personal Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Nikki |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Born | 14 June 1996 (age 28) |
| Birthplace | Nizamabad, Andhra Pradesh (now in Telangana), India |
| Weight | 51 kg (112 lb) |
| Sport | Boxing |
| Weight Class | Flyweight / Light flyweight |
| Professional Achievements | Details |
|---|---|
| World Championships | 2 Gold (2022 Istanbul – Flyweight, 2023 New Delhi – Light flyweight) |
| Asian Games | 1 Bronze (2022 Hangzhou – Light flyweight) |
| Commonwealth Games | 1 Gold (2022 Birmingham – Light flyweight) |
| Asian Championships | 1 Bronze (2019 Bangkok – Flyweight) |
| World Junior and Youth Championships | 1 Gold (2011 Antalya) |
Awards and Recognitions
- Appointed the official ambassador of her hometown, Nizamabad, Telangana.
- Named ‘Best Boxer’ at the All India Inter-University Boxing Championship in Jalandhar, Punjab (February 2015).
- Received the JFW Award for Excellence in Sports (2019).
- Honored with the prestigious Arjuna Award (2022) for outstanding achievements and dedication to boxing.
Also read- Paris 2024 Olympics: All the Action Featuring India – Schedule & IST Timings