After confirming her second consecutive World Championships medal, Nikhat Zareen recalled the time when she would sit in the IG Indoor Stadium as a spectator to watch boxers from across the globe compete at the 2018 edition of the tournament here.
The-26-year-old eked out 5-2 win against two-time World Championship bronze medallist Thailand’s ChuthamatRaksat in the quarterfinals to assure India of at least a bronze medal in the 50kg category.
The Telangana boxer has become a household name in the past one year thanks to her gold-winning streak in 2022 where she won the Strandja Memorial, World Championships and the Commonwealth Games.
However, a few years back she had struggled to make the Indian team as she competed in the weight category dominated by the legendary six-time World Champion MC Mary Kom.
“When we came here from Patiala, as soon as I entered the IG Stadium, there were flashbacks of 2018. I was not a part of the Indian team back then and here came as spectator to watch the bouts and spar with all the boxers to gain experience.
“But today, I am delighted as I am not only a part of the Indian team but have also confirmed a medal,” the star boxer said ater bout on Wednesday.
Nikhat, who has been handed a tough draw with six bouts to play for the gold, said she is getting less time to recover. Nikhat has already played four bouts since the tournament began last Thursday
(March 16).