Driven by a strong desire to challenge stereotypes and social norms, India's Nikhat Zareen began boxing when she was 13 years old.
The young fighter from a picturesque neighborhood of Nizamabad in the southern state of Telangana dreamed of becoming India's best female boxer, but she didn't know she would surpass even that lofty aspiration.
Zareen’s promising career began with a resounding victory at the 2011 World Junior Championships. And 11 years later, in 2022, she clinched gold in the 52kg category at the World Senior Championships, a feat that positioned her alongside legendary boxer Mary Kom, who won India’s first Olympic medal in women’s boxing at the 2012 London Games.
In a strategic move, Zareen moved up to the 50kg category in 2023, aligning herself with the weight class listed for Paris 2024 Olympics, and quickly secured her second gold medal at the IBA World Championships.
Having cemented her position as the boxer to beat in her division, Zareen has emerged as a strong medal contender at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, which begin on July 26.
Only two Indian female boxers have ever won an Olympic medal: Kom's bronze in 2012 came in the flyweight division and Lovlina Borgohain claimed a bronze in the welterweight division at Tokyo 2020.
An Olympic gold medal for Zareen would elevate her into the pantheon of Indian boxing greats alongside six-time world champion Kom.
Ahead of the Paris Olympics, Zareen spoke to Al Jazeera about her beginnings in boxing, growing up in an Orthodox family and her goals for the future.
Al Jazeera: When did you start boxing?
Nikhat Zareen: At first I was interested in athletics and competed in the 100 and 200 metres. One day, while I was training, I saw that there were women in all sports except boxing, and I asked my father: “Isn’t boxing for women?”
She told me that girls are capable of boxing, but our society thinks that they are not strong enough for those (combat) sports. I found it very strange because I grew up playing with boys.
My father then asked me if I was sure about my decision to start boxing and I said yes. I wanted to show everyone that girls are strong too. My father understood me and signed me up as a trainer in 2009.
Al Jazeera: Your father supported you. What about your mother?
Zareen: My mother was fine with me competing in athletics, but when she found out I wanted to box professionally, she was a bit unhappy. I used to spar with boys often and the first time I came home after a session, I came back with a bloody nose and bruises on my eye. When my mother saw me in that condition, she started crying and said, “This is why I didn’t want you to go into boxing.”
My mother thought boxing was too physical and was worried that if I broke a bone or hurt my face while training, I wouldn’t be able to find a boyfriend in the future. I told her, “Don’t worry. If I make a name for myself in boxing, there will be a line of men waiting for me.”
Al Jazeera: Did you face any cultural barriers when you started boxing?
Zareen: In my early years of training, I had a very busy schedule, so I barely had time to meet up with friends or family. But whenever my parents talked to our extended family or neighbors, those people would often ask why my parents let me sign up for such a dangerous sport like boxing. At that time, our family was not financially stable, so people warned us that we might incur more expenses if I suffered injuries. But my father, who was a former athlete, always supported me.
Al Jazeera: What are your hopes for the Paris Olympics?
Zareen: I have given my best in every competition and I have won a medal (several times). I will aim for the same at the Olympics, putting in 100 percent of my effort. People want me to win an Olympic medal and so do I; it is my dream.
Al Jazeera: Do you feel pressured with all the attention on you ahead of the Olympics?
Zareen: When I wasn't famous, I dreamed of a time when everyone would talk about me and recognise my efforts. That time has now come. People consider me a candidate for an Olympic medal and I feel lucky that they have such high expectations.
There will be pressure, but whenever I am under pressure, it motivates me to focus more and prevents me from getting distracted by other things.
Al Jazeera: Do you think an Olympic medal will end your comparisons with Mary Kom?
Zareen: I don't know. She is an inspiration and has been a six-time world champion. I don't think I can beat her world record. Chasing that record today is impossible. But I hope to do my best at the Olympics to reach the final round and fight for a silver or gold medal.
Mary Kom and Lovlina won bronze medals; I want to change the colour of the medal.
Al Jazeera: How do you feel about your rise as a boxer and as an inspiration to others?
Zareen: Honestly, I didn't think I would be an inspiration. My father encouraged me to take up boxing because I wasn't very good at studying and there wasn't much competition in the sport in our state. We thought I could make it to the national competition and get a government job through a sports quota.
I hadn't dreamed of going so far, but with each victory, I was hungry for more success. I started to love boxing more and more. After winning gold at the World Championships, I received many messages from parents saying that they wanted to enroll their daughters in boxing and that I would be available to train them. Of course, I can't train them personally now, but after I retire, I plan to build a training academy for children to help them achieve their dreams.
Al Jazeera: Why has India historically underperformed at the Olympics?
Zareen: I would be the last person to share my opinion on this topic, as this would be my first Olympics. I have never competed, so I can't explain why some athletes choke up or get nervous. When I compete, I will know better. But I have decided to stay away from any distractions before the Olympics, such as social media, to keep myself focused. I have played calm and collected in all competitions and I want to perform the same way at the Olympics.
