As a busy 12 months of sports activities gallops to the end line, India’s high athletes pause and mirror; inform the tales of their podium highs, battered our bodies and shattered desires. In a particular collection, some look again with fondness, a number of others with regrets. However all with the hope – and want – of a greater 2025.
In my thoughts, there have been solely two boxers who I used to be taking a look at as competitors on the Paris Olympics.
One was the Chinese language boxer Wu Yu and the second was Turkey’s Buse Naz Cakiroglu. Sadly, the Chinese language boxer was drawn in my pool and we needed to face one another in an early spherical. That was very disappointing for me. Not simply because I used to be going through her within the beginning spherical, but additionally as a result of my bout was within the morning session the place I knew I wouldn’t be getting any restoration. The evening earlier than my combat, I attempted to sleep however with no meals and no air-con in Paris, I wasn’t capable of get the remaining I wanted.
Once I misplaced, I didn’t present any emotion within the ring. After which I got here again to the media zone the place everybody was telling me ‘Nikhat, effectively performed’. These phrases made me emotional. Internally I used to be pondering, ‘Nikhat don’t say something in entrance of the media’. However then a number of of the faces had been acquainted they usually had been attempting to console me. And that made me cry.
Inside 48 hours after our bout, we had been imagined to exit the Video games Village and I returned to India. I had determined that after Paris, I gained’t discuss to anybody, I gained’t meet anybody. I need a while to spend alone. However the place will we get privateness in our Indian households? After coming dwelling, everybody visited. And what occurs amongst us Muslims? When somebody travels far-off or somebody goes to journey or goes to do some good work, they provide you flowers, they gives you sweets, they gives you cash.
You gained’t imagine it however I used to be so shy I used to be hiding my face like a brand new bride. I simply couldn’t face anybody. I couldn’t even cry as soon as or discuss to anybody as soon as I got here dwelling. I by no means present my feelings in entrance of my household as a result of I’ve a special character in my household. They assume that I’m a dabang kind lady. I don’t cry – I make everybody cry. That’s why I by no means spoke to them concerning my Olympics. Possibly they don’t know a lot about sports activities life. They don’t understand how we undergo it and what we face.
After coming back from Paris, I’d keep in my room at dwelling all day. Mother used to inform me to come back out and watch TV however I’d hold scrolling Instagram. Earlier, I’d get humorous reels however quickly Instagram’s algorithm began exhibiting me motivational posts as a substitute of the same old. I used to get reels like, ‘No matter God does, is finished on objective. Possibly it was in your betterment’.
Sooner or later my sister coaxed me out to take a stroll. We went and ended up at a pet retailer. Golden retrievers and chow chows are my two favorite canine breeds. And I picked up one golden retriever. She was comfy in my arms and my coronary heart was caught on her. We didn’t have any plan to undertake however my sister instructed me to take her. I wasn’t certain of my schedule or how lengthy I’d be in Hyderabad however my sister mentioned she would handle it. Now watching Instagram reels in my room alone has gone and enjoying with ‘Bella’ has grow to be routine.
I additionally went to Gulmarg for a brief trip. I wished to trek however it began raining closely. On the second day, I instructed him, ‘Anwar bhai, aaj kuch bhi ho trek pe jaana padega’. I didn’t know once I must return to boxing however these sorts of alternatives wouldn’t be attainable then. I stayed in Gulmarg for a number of days and did a number of extra treks earlier than returning. By the tip of the journey, I made a decision that in the future I need to stay in Kashmir.
For now, the main target will return to the World Championships in September 2025 and the World Cup Finals being hosted in India. One factor I learnt from Paris was that the competitors in India is so robust that by the point we attain the Olympics, issues get actually robust.
2024 was hectic. 2023 was additionally filled with competitions and camps. Now I understand how a lot I ought to push myself and wherein competitors. Everybody needs to win competitions. However nobody can push themselves greater than their psychological well being permits. Should you lose, you lose.
Once I got here again, my state authorities rewarded me with the DSP put up. I’m very grateful to them that they gave me this job. However deep down, I didn’t get what I wished in life. I’ve gained medals within the Asian Championships, Asian Video games, Commonwealth Video games, and World Championships. However there is just one medal left. I’ve to finish that.
– As instructed to Shashank Nair
Trying ahead to 2025
Redemption 12 months: Already a world champion twice, the boxer could have an opportunity so as to add a 3rd title to her kitty, a consequence that would act as a balm after the Olympics heartbreak.
Whereas 2025 will probably be a key 12 months for boxing—the game will be taught its destiny vis-a-vis the LA Olympics—the anomaly over who runs the game has led to 2 World Championships, one by the Worldwide Boxing Affiliation (not supported by the IOC) and one other by World Boxing, which is quick gaining legitimacy. The World Boxing championship will probably be in Liverpool in September.
In November, Nikhat could have an opportunity to shine at dwelling when India hosts the World Boxing Cup Last in November 2025.
Key dates: World Championships, Liverpool, September 4 to 14
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