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India’s ace boxer Nikhat Zareen opened up on her elimination from the Paris Olympics 2024 and apologised to fellow countrymen for not being able to win a medal at the multi-sport marquee event. Zareen faced a 0-5 defeat against the top-seeded Asian Games and reigning flying-weight world champion Wu Yu of China in R16 on Thursday, August 1. The heartbreaking loss put an end to two-time world champion’s campaign at the Olympics 2024.
Touted as one of India’s strongest medal prospects before the tournament, Zareen contested empty stomach and couldn’t sleep the night before her pre-quarterfinal clash. Making her Olympics debut in Paris, Zareen vowed to come back stronger in the next edition. Following her loss, Zareen said, “Sorry, I could not win a medal for the country. I have made a lot of sacrifices to reach here. I had prepared myself well mentally and physically for this Olympics.”
NDTV quoted Zareen as saying, “I had not eaten in the last two days, I had to maintain weight. I did not even have water, and only after weigh-in I had some water but I had no time to recover, I was first in the ring today. If I had won today, the effort would have been appreciated but it will now look like an excuse. I gave my best.”
Zareen revealed that she plans to go on a solo trip and spend some quality time with family to recover from the heartbreaking loss. The 28-year-old revealed, “I will go on a vacation, on a solo trip. I have never done that. It's much needed. I will spend time with my nephew and niece. I have not done that for long. I will come back strong."
