In an exclusive interview with Sports Today, World Champion Nikhat Zareen spoke about her historic achievement in the recently-concluded Birmingham Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2022, fending off naysayers, future goals, her love for Biryani and much more.
Zareen, who bagged a gold medal in the women's light flyweight category by schooling Northern Ireland's Carly McNaul 5:0 in the CWG 2022 final, reflected on her journey so far with an expression of satisfaction and elation on her face.
"The journey was awesome. It was a like roller-coaster for me and more importantly, I didn't give up. In the end, everything was worth it," Zareen said while flaunting her gold medal towards the camera.
See the full interview here:
Zareen displayed impeccable skills and sailed through her opponent at the multi-national event without even breaking a sweat in any of her bouts. The 26-year-old Indian pugilist was the favourite to clinch gold in her weight category and she justified that tag by winning all her bouts by unanimous decision.
Earlier in the year, Zareen became only the fifth Indian woman boxer to win a gold medal at the World Boxing Championships when she blanked Thailand's Jitpong Jutamas 5-0 in the flyweight division final.
"I always dreamt of representing and winning a gold medal for my country. So my focus was on that. I knew how badly I wanted to win the gold medal. I am very happy to win a gold medal in back-to-back events (World Championships and Commonwealth Games) for my country. I hope to keep continuing this golden run and keep winning medals for my country," she continued.
The 26-year-old has evolved as a trailblazer in Indian sports, who has broken stereotypes, fended off naysayers and relentlessly pushed the ceiling despite facing immense scrutiny.
"All my medals are a message to the naysayers. I have a lot of people who keep sending their love, best wishes and blessings. So with their support, I will do well in the future also," the Indian pugilist added.
While commenting on the nation getting ready to celebrate its 75th Independence Day, Zareen's patriotism was glaringly conspicuous.
"It's a proud moment for all the Indians. I feel proud that I won this gold medal before Independence Day. All the Indian citizens should make the country proud and do something for the nation," said Zareen.
Continuing the tradition of meeting with the athletes after a multi-national event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 13 (Saturday) hosted India's Commonwealth Games contingent, which participated in the recently-concluded quadrennial tournament in Birmingham, at his residence in Delhi.
The recently-crowned CWG gold medallist expressed her gratitude after being honoured by PM Modi. During the interaction, Zareen gifted her boxing gloves signed by all the boxers to PM Modi.
"Honoured to gift the boxing gloves signed by all the pugilists to our honourable Prime Minister @narendramodi sir. Thank you for this amazing opportunity. A great day spent with my fellow athletes who have made the country proud," Nikhat tweeted.
After months of excruciating training and participating in award-laden tournaments, Zareen's only focus right now is to 'rest and come back stronger'.
"Currently, I am not focusing on anything. I want to relax my body and mind. We have Asian Championships coming up in October and I will start preparing for that. But right now, for a few days, I will take a rest and come back stronger," the World Champions asserted.
When quizzed about if she has been granted any leniency on diet, Zareen was quick to admit "now I am not on diet. My cheat days are going on. First thing after reaching home, I will eat Biryani."
