Energy-saving mode has been a hit: Nikhat Zareen on preparing for Olympic debut boxing news

Nearly three months away from her long-awaited Olympic debut, two-time world champion boxer Nikhat Zareen has been on “energy-saving mode” ahead of her date with destiny. So, she is staying away from social media, embracing solitude, eating sweets on her cheat days, and binge-watching the Netflix cult classic ‘Heeramandi’. Zareen, who is a strong medal contender in the 50kg category, believes that activities that may seem like leisure to many are actually legitimate ways to ensure that the Olympic Games begin in Paris on July 26. May his mind remain calm before the upcoming games.

“To be honest, I have not yet realized that I am going to become an Olympian soon,” she told PTI. As days are passing, anxiety is increasing. But I always train my mind to focus on good performance.” Interview from Patiala.

The 27-year-old player from Hyderabad is a former junior world champion. He won consecutive senior world titles in 2022 and 2023.

Her 2022 season was nothing short of sensational as she remained undefeated and she will be hoping to reach a similar peak in Paris.

“Every competition brings with it some degree of nervousness. You have expectations from yourself and people around you also have expectations. All of this adds to the overall load you feel on your mind.

He revealed, “You can cope with it by working hard, keeping your focus and keeping a cool mind, basically not letting yourself get distracted. So, I’m off social media, and I generally I also try to maintain distance.” ,

“Basically, I’ve adopted energy saving mode, enjoy my sweets on cheat days, go grocery shopping, listen to music, it helps me stay calm. Also, I watch movies or I also watch ‘Heeramandi’ right now. It’s quite interesting,” he said.

Zareen, who believes in destiny, said that she could have become an Olympian only in Tokyo. She had lost the tough selection trials to six-time world champion MC Mary Kom, who managed to qualify for the Games.

“Everyone knows how badly I wanted to go to Tokyo. But it was not destined to happen. The failure made me determined. The day I qualified for Paris, I was so happy that it is difficult for me to describe. It was like a big dream come true,” she said.

“But then I realized that the work was only half done.” Preparing for the Olympics is not always just about training, as nutrition and psychological preparation also play a role. The mental part of this becomes even more important in his game, which is often described as lonely.

He said, “But you have to fight your battle, you can sometimes share your thoughts with your support staff or team, but at the end of the day, inside the ring you have to fight, you are alone there. “

He said, “You have to make your mind believe that ‘good days will come’. This is my journey and I have to endure it.”

What helps is the fact that women’s boxing is now getting material incentives, which was not the case when they started.

“Once Mary Didi won the Olympic medal (bronze medal) in 2012, people took women’s boxing seriously. I was one of those who felt inspired. Boxing is not a sport you can do for very long. Can play. Injuries can happen at any time.”

He added, “But the fact that you are being rewarded so much for international performance, it is motivating people to succeed. It is good for the future.”

As for the future, the sport’s Olympic status remains in limbo due to the International Olympic Committee’s refusal to recognize the International Boxing Federation due to governance issues and alleged corruption.

Zareen said that he is hopeful of a solution.

He said, “These things are not in our hands. Obviously it feels bad but I hope things will get better and the IOC and IBA will find a solution. I believe boxing will remain in the Olympics.”

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)