Nikhat Zareen eyes comeback, seeks personal coach after disappointing Olympic campaign
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Indian boxer Nikhat Zareen, reflecting on her unexpected exit from the Olympics without a medal, has acknowledged that it simply "wasn't her day."
The two-time world champion, who was considered a strong medal contender, bowed out of the 50kg women's boxing competition in the preliminary round after losing unanimously to top-seeded Wu Yu of China.
Despite the setback, Zareen remains determined to come back stronger, and she is now on the lookout for a personal coach to help her in her journey forward.
Zareen, who was the first Indian boxer to qualify for the Olympics, expressed disappointment not only over her early exit but also seeing other boxers she had previously defeated winning medals. "It hurts to see those boxers I’ve beaten in the past winning medals," she said.
However, she stressed the importance of accepting reality and continuing to move forward.
"I didn't have a personal coach, and I believe that’s something I need to improve," Zareen explained, adding that she has started searching for one to guide her more closely. "I want a coach who can help me become a better boxer and I’m open to training abroad. International training gives me the chance to challenge myself against different boxing styles, which helps me grow out of my comfort zone," she said.
When asked about the aspects of her game she plans to improve, Zareen highlighted her desire to enhance her strength. She also expressed interest in training with boxers of various styles to prepare for any opponent in future competitions.
On the future of her career, Zareen is keeping a close eye on developments in the boxing world, especially with the uncertainty surrounding the sport’s place in the Olympics. With potential changes to weight categories looming, she said, "If there’s a 52kg category, I’ll be the happiest because that’s my most comfortable weight."