Star boxer Nikhat Zareen was emotional after her Paris 2024 Olympics marketing campaign ended within the Spherical of 16 following a 0-5 loss to Asian Video games gold medallist Wu Yu on Thursday. Yu’s fast actions and good footwork saved Nikhat on the defensive from the opening spherical. Regardless of her efforts to counter-attack, Nikhat struggled to attach her punches as Yu’s nimble actions allowed her to change stances and keep away from blows.
Trailing 1-4, Nikhat discovered some success within the second spherical, touchdown a number of straight punches. Nevertheless, Yu countered with sharp hooks to Nikhat’s face, ending the spherical with Nikhat touchdown a number of physique photographs. The third spherical noticed Nikhat desperately making an attempt to attach, however Yu’s agility continued to frustrate her efforts.
Nikhat expressed her disappointment however vowed to return stronger. “Sorry guys,” an emotional Nikhat stated after the loss. “It was a studying expertise for me. I had not performed her earlier than. She was quicker. I’ll analyze this bout as soon as I’m residence. I used to be unseeded, and this wasn’t my first match; she was taking part in her first, which additionally impacts. It was an intense bout,” she mirrored.
“She was not attacking a lot, and my punches have been going within the air. There was no level in persevering with to do this and lose power. I needed to wait. I needed to do higher in Rounds 1 and a pair of,” the 28-year-old admitted. Having moved down from her most popular 52kg weight division, which was not featured within the Paris Olympics, Nikhat confronted further challenges. “I had not eaten within the final two days for weight lower. I had not recovered and performed the primary bout. If I had received, the hassle would have been appreciated, however it can now appear like an excuse. I gave my finest,” she stated.
Regardless of the early exit, Nikhat stays one among India’s most constant boxers, with a string of achievements, together with back-to-back gold medals on the World Championships, a gold on the 2022 Commonwealth Video games, a bronze on the Asian Video games, and a silver on the Strandja Memorial event. Nikhat’s loss marks the fourth Indian boxer to be eradicated from the Paris Video games, becoming a member of Amit Panghal (51kg), Jaismine Lamboria (57kg), and Preeti Pawar (54kg). Nevertheless, hope stays as Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain (75kg) and world bronze winner Nishant Dev (71kg) are only one win away from securing medals.
Nikhat’s journey in Paris could have ended early, however her resolve to come back again stronger stays undeterred. As one among India’s brightest medal contenders, her focus now shifts to future competitions, the place she goals to proceed her pursuit of excellence within the ring.
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