Nikhat Zareen eyes third world title, ready for new challenges under World Boxing banner

Two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen is set to compete in the inaugural World Boxing Championships in Liverpool this September. Returning to the 51 kg category post-Olympics, she is focusing on strength, endurance, and mindset to claim her third title.

HYDERABAD: For the two-time women’s World boxing champion Nikhat Zareen, it will be a different kind of experience when she competes in the next edition of the World boxing championship in Liverpool (UK) this September under the aegis of a new world body – World Boxing.

“Yes, it will be the inaugural World Boxing Championships organised by the newly-formed international governing body for the sport. It will be a different kind of feeling for sure. But, I will be more focussed on my skills and determined to win every bout,” the 29-year-old Nikhat said in a chat with ‘Telangana Today’ on Monday.

---

“Yes, I will be competing in the 51 kg category. This also means boxers from other countries either moving into the higher weight category or someone else coming down to compete in the 51 kg. I feel there will be quite a few tall boxers in the coming World championship,” explained Nikhat, who returns to the national team returning to the Indian national setup for the first time since the Paris Olympics.

“Definitely, I am looking for different kinds of challenges and at the same time I am ready for them. You have to be at your best irrespective of where you fight and under which banner,” Nikhat said.

“My mentality will be the same, just go out and keep winning, come what may be the situation,” said the champion boxer.

“Yes, there will be unfamiliar opponents for sure in the coming World championship. As I said, it will be a new experience and at that level, one has to be prepared for anything,” the Deputy Superintendent of Police (Telangana) said.

“Well, post 2024 Paris Olympics, the focus was strength and endurance besides improving technique. There is always scope for this at any level,” she said.

“Now, the whole effort will be to get back the confidence which fetched me two World championship titles. Will try to get that with a strong mindset targetting to win every bout,” Nikhat said.

“After joining the national camp in Patiala (she is on a one-day trip to hometown), the Indian team will be leaving for the UK before the Worlds to get acclimatised to the conditions there. Well, the mood is upbeat for sure,” signed off a relaxed Nikhat.