Nikhat Zareen sees family support as an important part of any young athlete’s development
Nikhat Zareen sees family support as an important part of any young athlete’s development
Nikhat Zareen is the winner. Since 2010, when she was just 14 years old, success followed and caught her. His victories in various youth and senior boxing championships over the past decade came to the fore in May this year when he won gold (52 kg flyweight) at the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships in Istanbul.
On Tuesday, she was in town to open a new Adidas store. After being photographed several times and visiting the store, a smiling Zareen, whose face still shows a stern and steely look, shows a resolve that is an essential part of her character, saying, “[When I was young]I used to see girls in other sports a lot, but not in boxing.”
“So I asked my father why was it that boxing was only for boys? He said that society thinks women are not strong enough for the sport. That is why I got the challenge of boxing.”
High hopes for the Commonwealth Games
When asked about the possibility of raising expectations for the upcoming Commonwealth Games, she says, “There will be hope, but I will not take that pressure on myself. I will work double hard and give my 100 per cent.
Zareen sees family support as an important part of any young athlete’s development.
“Support from family is very important. Especially in my setting, because not many women went out. [So]I am blessed to have parents who are so supportive. I can only request parents whose children want to achieve their dreams and play sports to support them. Support them, and surely they will make you proud one day.”
Regarding plans to take up boxing professionally (Zarrin is still an amateur boxer), he is still undecided. “I haven’t thought about it. My ultimate dream is to win an Olympic medal. After that we’ll see.”