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Weary from a difficult loss, Nikhat Zareen valiantly restrained her tears as she recounted the trials she confronted each throughout the ring and within the 48 hours previous the pre-quarterfinal bout towards China’s Wu Yu, till she lastly succumbed to her feelings. Touted as one in all India’s strongest medal prospects earlier than the Video games, Nikhat bowed out of the Olympics after a heartbreaking 0-5 loss to the top-seed Chinese language pugilist on the North Paris Enviornment on Thursday. “I’ll come again robust,” she mentioned at the least 5 occasions, in all probability attempting to persuade herself and everybody else round her that the Olympic street doesn’t finish right here for her.
Nikhat, a two-time world champion, skilled on an empty abdomen, couldn’t sleep the evening earlier than the pre-quarterfinal and stored serious about the match towards the reigning Asian Video games gold medallist Yu, who can also be a 2023 world champion in flyweight (52kg).
Finally, her worst fears got here true as she misplaced the battle of the world champions.
It was clear this defeat will hang-out her for lengthy. Yu dominated the competition at the same time as Nikhat made a quick comeback in spherical 2 however that was not sufficient.
“Can I’ve some water please,” she mentioned, gesturing in the direction of her coach, had a sip from the half-filled bottle and gathered her ideas.
“Sorry guys, I couldn’t win a medal for the nation. I’ve made numerous sacrifices to succeed in right here. I had ready myself properly mentally and bodily for this Olympics,” she mentioned referring to the time spent away from her household and the laborious coaching classes she went via.
“I had not eaten within the final two days, I needed to keep weight. I didn’t even have water, and solely after weigh-in I had some water however I had no time to get better, I used to be first within the ring at the moment,” mentioned Nikhat, who moved down from her most well-liked 52kg weight division because it did not characteristic within the Paris Olympics.
“I ran constantly for one hour many occasions within the final two days,” implying that maybe her physique lacked the power to deal with the formidable Chinese language opponent all through all three rounds.
“If I had gained at the moment, the hassle would have been appreciated however it would now appear to be an excuse. I gave my greatest,” she recounted her battle.
The 2-time World Champion says she plans to go on a solo journey and spend some high quality time along with her household as she takes her first step in the direction of restoration from the heartbreaking loss.
“I’ll go on a trip, on a solo journey. I’ve by no means executed that. It is a lot wanted. I’ll spend time with my nephew and niece. I’ve not executed that for lengthy. I’ll come again robust.”
Nikhat refused options that she felt strain however admitted that the bout consumed her ideas completely.
“24 hours my thoughts was on this bout. I simply stored serious about it. It was a superb studying expertise for me. I had not performed her earlier than. She was quicker. I’ll analyse this bout as soon as I’m residence.
“I used to be unseeded and this wasnot my first match, she was taking part in her first, it additionally impacts. It was an intense bout. It occurs. I misplaced to the primary seed, no regrets. ” Nikhat mentioned she has confronted many challenges in her life and she or he is aware of the way to deal with them and emerge victorious.
Requested how she would outline herself, she roared,”I’m a fighter.” “The coach madam (Pranamika Bora) doesn’t name me a tiger for no purpose.”
She tried to place up a courageous face in the course of the 15-minute interplay however lastly broke down earlier than strolling again. Consoled by the journalists from her nation, she walked again, saying, “You need to get me an ice-cream.”
(Apart from the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV workers and is printed from a syndicated feed.)
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