Nikhat Zareen says she represents India, not any particular community
Highlight
- Nikhat Zareen says that mental conditioning is also necessary for the performance of the players
- Talking about her struggles, Zareen said that people expected her to fail as a boxer
25-year-old Nikhat Zareen has been in constant discussion after trying her hand at the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championship. The Indian boxer, who won a gold medal in the 52kg category in Thailand, has now said that she does not represent any particular community but India. Talking further about her struggles, Nikhat said that people underestimated her chances of becoming a boxer as she comes from a very conservative background. When asked about his opinion on wearing the hijab, the Indian boxer did not restrain himself and said that it should be a matter of personal preference for everyone.
Elaborating further on India’s Commonwealth Games preparations, Nikhat said, “Our Indian boxers are very talented, we are second to none. We have the strength, the pace and the power, just once you reach that (world) level.” Boxers need to be given training to handle the mental pressure. Once you get on the big platform a lot of athletes panic, they are not able to perform.” Nikhat, who is the country’s current favourite, is expected to get the winning medal for India at the Commonwealth Games beginning July 28, 2022 in Birmingham.
Nikhat’s sudden fame portrayed him as an ambassador of a particular community and addressing the issue, Zareen said, “As an athlete, I am here to represent India and for me, Hindu-Muslim Doesn’t matter. I am not representing a community but my country, I am happy to win a medal for my country.” With the Commonwealth Games fast approaching, expectations are high from the Indian contingent which performs well in the regular events but falters on the big stage.
(Inputs from PTI)