Nikhat seeks to find old spark at WC Finals

When Nikhat Zareen steps into the ring, she brings a combative energy that keeps spectators hooked. The two-time world champion dominated 2022 and 2023, carrying Indian boxing with confidence.

- Avishek Roy

She also went to the 2024 Paris Olympics as a medal contender, but Chinese world No.l Wu Yu ended her run in the pre-quarterfinals.

It took Nikhat almost a year to return to international action, and at the World Championships in Liverpool this year she wasn't at her best, losing to Olympic silver medallist Buse Naz Cakıroglu of Turkiye. Now, at 29, she is searching for her old spark while fighting off doubts. But Nikhat is confident she still has plenty left in the tank.

With the Asian Games next year and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics in sight, she wants to begin afresh, starting with the Boxing World Cup Finals here.

"It's a great opportunity," said Nikhat. "In 2023, I became world champion at home, and this time it's again happening in India. Hopefully, I will win gold here and begin my journey towards the LA Olympics as a champion."