“Blessed to be a part of JSW Sports”
Boxer Nikhat Zareen Sat Down With Us For A Quick Chat About Life In The Ring, Outside It And More…
On how she took up boxing…
I started boxing in 2009, before which I was an athlete in short distance races. We didn’t have a coach for athletics in school. One of my dad’s friends was a boxing coach and I’d often seen him training with a lot of boys. When I asked my father why there were no girls boxing with him, he had told me that very few girls had the guts to take up boxing. I wanted to prove to everyone that women can also be boxers and that’s how I started boxing.
In the summers I used to train in the morning before going to school and I found it more interesting every time I went. The news came out that in March 2010 there was to be a sub-junior nationals tournament. I prepared well and mostly with boys because there were no girls for me to train with. I was a stubborn girl and I never accepted defeat. It was an advantage for me to train with boys, because in the championships the girls didn’t seem a tough challenge. I won Gold and the ‘Best Boxer’ award at the Nationals, which were in Tamil Nadu and that was my first big break.
On the support she received about her boxing…
I was in 8th standard when I started boxing, and I got permission from my school to go for the sub-junior nationals. The school was also happy that their name came in the newspapers. They had the belief that I’ll be able to do something in the future and have always been very supportive of me. When I was named in the camp, I went over with my books and the school would inform me when I had exams.
On her first senior nationals last year…
That was my first official senior nationals where I won the Bronze. I was going for Gold and the ‘best boxer’ award once again but there were some decisions that did not go in my favor. It was a close fight and the coaches and officials said that I could do better in the camp against the same wrestler who I had lost to, which still motivates me.
On her injury and rehabilitation…
This is the first injury I have suffered. I was boxing against a new girl and there was a mistimed punch that dislocated my shoulder. The physiotherapists and doctors took a call and I have had to undergo a surgery, which was again a first for me.
I haven’t started training or rehabilitation yet because I’m in a rest period, but I’m hoping to be back in the ring as soon as possible.
On her coach Ronald Simms…
Although I haven’t spent too much time with Ronald due to my injury, I know that he is a very technical coach who guides me to improve in every aspect of boxing. He is a proper gentleman and he knows very well how to handle a boxer. He’s a new coach for me and I am positive that I stand to learn a lot from him in the future.
On her goals for 2017…
My current goal is the upcoming Asian Championships in November this year. As soon as I’m able to box again, I’ll be working ahead towards that and I hope to put on a good performance there and hopefully come back with a medal as well.
On her association with JSW Sports…
JSW Sports has played a major role in my performances and have gone a long way for not just me but many other athletes. I’m blessed to be a part of their program and I hope to do them proud in the future.
