Nikhat Zareen’s post-Olympic journey has been a rollercoaster of emotions and introspection. After her disappointing exit from the Paris Olympics, the two-time world champion embarked on a solo trek in the mountains of Kashmir to clear her mind and find solace.
Despite the challenging weather conditions, Nikhat refused to let it deter her from completing the trek. “It was risky, but I told the guide, ‘chahe kuch bhi ho jaye, I want to complete this trek,'” she said. Her determination paid off, and she reached the summit, where she found peace and tranquility.
The trek was a metaphor for Nikhat’s journey to overcome the disappointment of Paris. After returning home, she isolated herself, unable to face her family and friends. However, she found comfort in her family and her new golden retriever, Bella.
Nikhat’s post-Olympic struggles were compounded by the coaching turmoil within Indian boxing. The departure of high-performance director Bernard Dunne and the appointment of foreign coach Dmitry Dmitruk created a sense of instability. Nikhat felt that adjusting to different coaching styles was challenging and detrimental to her performance.
“Before Paris, our HPD quit. It disturbed our entire team,” she said. “With Dmitry, he had language issues, and couldn’t speak English that well. Though he is a dedicated coach, he was trying to change everything, which, personally, didn’t suit me too much.”
Despite the setbacks, Nikhat is determined to move forward. She has started strength training at Pullela Gopichand’s academy and is on the lookout for a personal coach to improve her boxing skills. However, she acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding the 2028 LA Games and the challenges of balancing boxing with other life responsibilities.
Nikhat’s journey is a testament to the resilience and determination of an athlete who has faced adversity and emerged stronger. Her story serves as an inspiration to all who strive to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
