Nikhat Zareen, a two-time world champion, seems undeterred by the possibility of facing formidable opponents in her Olympic debut. The 27-year-old boxer is confident that her performance shines brightest when confronted with a difficult draw. Zareen qualified for the upcoming Paris Olympics in the 50 kg category at the Asian Games held in October of the previous year.

In the Olympics, there is no seeding, no ranking. So, it’s all about your luck there. I don’t know whom I’ll be facing in the first round or the second round, Zareen said in an interaction facilitated by SAI in collaboration with IOA and BFI. Seeding doesn’t matter that much because there are a lot of boxers who even after seeding, don’t win a medal. But I have also noticed that whenever I have a tough draw, I perform well at that time, she expressed.

Zareen has competed in a few events since gaining her spot in the Olympics. Earlier this year, she won silver at the prestigious Strandja Memorial event. In May, she won the Elorda Cup. Despite her satisfaction with her training and preparations, Zareen admits to feeling nervous, which she views as a good indication. As the days go by, I’m getting nervous. It is my thing because when I’m nervous, my body works well and I’m more focused. And also, this is my first Olympics, the Indian boxer added.

Nikhat’s experience in the Asian Games was eye-opening, even though the outcome did not go her way. Zareen’s semifinal match against Thailand’s Chuthamat Raksat was closely contested, however, her slow start cost her a position in the final, forcing her to settle for a bronze medal. In the Asian Games, I lost to a Thai opponent. I wasn’t aggressive in the first round. So, I lost on a split decision. I’ve learned from that. Zareen has turned her focus to maintaining her mental health and avoiding any physical setbacks.

Asked how her life has changed in the past couple of years, Zareen said I never thought that a girl who used to be known as a challenger (to MC Mary Kom) has become the face of Indian boxing. It’s a big thing for me that I am getting to see this. I feel blessed and grateful that God has made me so capable that my dream of becoming a world champion has come true. But the journey is not yet over. My ultimate dream is to win an Olympic medal, she concluded.