Who is Nikhat Zareen? Spotlight on the women's 50kg Indian boxing pre-quarterfinalist at Paris Olympics

NEW DELHI: Nikhat Zareen, the two-time world champion, advanced to the women's 50kg Olympics pre-quarterfinals with a determined win over Maxi Carina Kloetzer of Germany on Sunday.
Despite being behind on three scorecards after the opening round, the 28-year-old Indian boxer secured a unanimous 5-0 decision against her German opponent in a somewhat untidy round of 32 bout at the North Paris Arena.
Zareen, who is unseeded and making her Olympic debut, is considered a strong contender for a medal. However, she did not have the most favourable beginning as Kloetzer closed in on her with aggressive attacks. Nonetheless, Zareen skillfully maneuvered her way back to the center of the ring, landing some powerful punches. Both boxers attempted to target each other's bodies throughout the contest.

Nikhat Zareen, an unseeded boxer from India, emerged victorious in her round of 32 bout against the German opponent at the North Paris arena. Despite the somewhat untidy nature of the contest, the 28-year-old secured a convincing 5-0 unanimous decision win.
In the next round, Zareen faces a formidable challenge as she is set to square off against Wu Yu of China, the top-seeded flyweight world champion and Asian Games gold medalist. Wu, who enjoyed a bye in the first round, will face Zareen on Thursday.
Nikhat Zareen's profile
Nikhat Zareen, an Indian boxer born on June 14, 1996, in Nizamabad, Telangana, has made significant contributions to women's boxing in India. From a young age, Zareen demonstrated exceptional potential and honed her skills under the tutelage of experienced coaches.
Her talent and hard work have led her to win multiple national titles across various weight categories, cementing her position as one of India's top boxers.
In 2019, Nikhat Zareen achieved a major milestone by winning a gold medal in the 51 kg weight category at the AIBA Women's World Boxing Championships held in Ulan-Ude, Russia.
This victory made her the fifth Indian woman to win a gold medal at the World Championships and highlighted her status as one of the world's best female boxers.
Zareen has also represented India in the Asian Boxing Championships, where she has won medals and further enhanced her international reputation.
Zareen's dedication to her craft is evident in her rigorous training regimen, which encompasses technique refinement, strength training, and strategic planning.
Her efforts have been recognized with prestigious awards, such as the Arjuna Award in 2020, which acknowledges outstanding achievements in sports.
In 2022, Nikhat Zareen added another feather to her cap by securing the gold medal in the 50 kg weight category at the Commonwealth Games.
In 2023, Nikhat Zareen won a bronze medal at 2023 Asian games.
Nikhat Zareen's accomplishments have not only brought glory to herself but have also served as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, particularly women, in India.
Her success has played a crucial role in drawing attention to women's boxing and fostering its growth and development in the country.
As Zareen continues to strive for excellence and represent India on the international stage, she remains a shining example of dedication, talent, and achievement in the world of boxing.