“My heart is heavy, but it remains unbroken” - Nikhat Zareen promises to fight for "dream" Olympic medal after Paris Olympics 2024 loss

Indian boxing star Nikhat Zareen has vowed to fight for her dream of winning an Olympic medal after she crashed out of the Paris 2024 Games, losing to China’s Wu Yu in the Round of 16.

The two-time world champion boxer from Nizamabad shared an emotional post on her social media, wherein she shared how much hard work she put into being a part of the Indian boxing contingent in the Paris Olympic Games.

“The Olympic dream I’ve cherished for so long didn’t unfold as I had hoped. After countless hours of training, sacrifices, and unwavering determination, this moment slipped through my fingers,” Nikhat wrote in the caption.

“This defeat is the hardest I’ve ever faced; it cuts deep and is almost unbearable. My heart is heavy, but it remains unbroken,” she added.

Nikhat, who was one of India’s prime medal hopefuls in the Paris 2024 Olympics, entered the women’s 50kg event as an unseeded participant. However, she was completely outclassed by the Asian Games gold medalist Wu Yu, who took charge and won the fight by a unanimous decision of 5-0.

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“I promise this isn’t the end” - Nikhat Zareen on plans to recover from Paris Olympics 2024 loss

While many athletes will feel demotivated by such a heartbreaking loss on a big stage, 28-year-old Nikhat Zareen is no ordinary athlete. The Asian Games bronze medalist has promised to resume her training with the utmost motivation once she recovers from her Paris experience.

“I promise this isn’t the end. I’ll return home to recover and clear my mind. This dream is still alive, and I will continue to chase it with renewed passion,” Nikhat wrote in the post.

“This is not goodbye but a promise to return, to fight harder, and to make you all proud,” she added.

Despite seeing her Paris Olympics journey cut short with a one-sided loss, Nikhat Zareen will look to be at her best soon, with the 2026 Asian Games on the horizon.