Nikhat eyes big comeback after Paris Olympics low

Some defeats take longer to heal. Nikhat Zareen has watched her Paris Olympics loss against China's Wu Yu many a time, wondering what else she could have done in the ring that day.

- Avishek Roy

GREATER NOIDA:

It has taken her months to get over the disappointment and the two-time world champion is ready to come back to the competitive circuit this year. Boxing being retained for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics has renewed her spirits.

"People were saying that there will be no boxing in the LA Games. I thought my dream of winning an Olympic medal was crushed. But now I feel I have another chance to represent India at the Olympics and fulfil my dream," said Nikhat on the sidelines of the women's National Championships here.

Having recovered from a minor injury, the 28-year-old is training at the Army Sports Institute in Pune to make a comeback by May. The World Championships in September and the World Cup Finals scheduled in India at the year end are the targets. She will be aiming for a third world title this year.