Paris Olympics 2024: Boxer Nikhat Zareen’s Olympic campaign ends with shocking loss to China’s Wu Yu

In a shocking turn of events at the Paris Olympics 2024, India’s two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen bowed out of the boxing competition after a 0-5 defeat to Asian Games gold medallist Wu Yu of China. The bout, held on Thursday, saw Zareen outmaneuvered and outclassed by Yu, marking one of the biggest upsets of the Games.

Unseeded and Unyielding

Nikhat Zareen entered the Olympics unseeded, a consequence of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) not recognizing the International Boxing Association (IBA), which conducts the world championships. Despite this setback, Zareen was considered one of India’s strongest medal contenders. However, she faced a daunting draw that proved to be a significant challenge.

“Sorry guys,” an emotional Zareen said after her loss. “It was a learning experience for me. I had not played her before. She was faster. I will analyze this bout once I am home. I was unseeded and this wasn’t my first match, she was playing her first, it also impacts. It was an intense bout,” she added.

A Nightmarish Draw

Meeting each other for the first time, Zareen was under immediate pressure from Wu Yu, the top-seeded reigning flyweight (52kg) world champion. Yu’s quick movements and brilliant footwork allowed her to consistently switch her stance and avoid Zareen’s punches. The opening round saw Yu take a commanding lead, leaving Zareen trailing 1-4.

Despite a valiant effort in the second round where she landed a few punches, Zareen couldn’t connect effectively against Yu’s nimble movements. The third round continued in a similar fashion, with Zareen struggling to land her punches while Yu maintained her advantage.

“She was not attacking much and my punches were going in the air. There was no point keep doing that and lose energy. I had to wait. I wanted to do better in Round 1 and 2,” Zareen explained.

Challenges of Weight Division

Zareen’s journey to the Paris Olympics was marked by her decision to move down from her preferred 52kg weight division, which did not feature in these Games, after winning her first world championship gold medal in 2022. This weight cut posed significant challenges, as Zareen revealed she had not eaten for two days to make weight, affecting her recovery and performance.

“I had not eaten in the last two days for weight cut. I had not recovered and played the first bout. If I had won the effort I would have been appreciated but it will now look like an excuse. I gave my best,” said Zareen, who had defeated Germany’s Maxi Karina Kloetzer in her opening round on Sunday.

A Consistent Champion

Despite this loss, Nikhat Zareen remains one of India’s most consistent boxers. Her impressive track record includes back-to-back gold medals at the world championships, a gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, a bronze at the Asian Games, and a silver at the prestigious Strandja Memorial tournament in February.

Zareen’s exit marks the fourth boxer out of the six-member Indian contingent to be knocked out of the Paris Games. Former world number one Amit Panghal (51kg), Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Jaismine Lamboria (57kg), and Asian Games bronze winner Preeti Pawar (54kg) have all crashed out of the competition.

Remaining Hopes: Lovlina Borgohain and Nishant Dev

With Zareen’s unexpected exit, India’s hopes now rest on the shoulders of Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain (75kg) and world bronze winner Nishant Dev (71kg). Both boxers are one win away from confirming medals, keeping the nation’s hopes alive.

Borgohain is set to face Sunniva Hofstad of Norway in the women’s 75kg round of 16, a match that promises intense competition. Borgohain’s experience and determination will be crucial as she aims to advance further in the tournament and secure another Olympic medal for India.

Reflecting on Zareen’s Journey

Nikhat Zareen’s journey at the Paris Olympics 2024 may have ended sooner than expected, but her resilience and fighting spirit remain an inspiration. Despite the challenges of being unseeded and facing a formidable opponent, Zareen’s performance highlights the unpredictable nature of sports and the constant pursuit of excellence.

As Zareen returns home to analyze her bout and prepare for future competitions, she carries with her the experience and lessons learned from the Paris Olympics. Her promise to “come back strong” resonates with the determination and grit that has defined her career.

 The Road Ahead

The Paris Olympics 2024 continues to be a stage of intense competition and high stakes for Indian athletes. While the exit of a strong contender like Nikhat Zareen is a setback, the journey of athletes like Lovlina Borgohain and Nishant Dev keeps the nation’s hopes alive. The resilience and dedication of these athletes serve as a testament to their commitment to representing India on the global stage.

As the Olympics progress, the focus shifts to the remaining Indian contenders, with the nation eagerly awaiting their performances. The spirit of the Games and the relentless pursuit of excellence continue to inspire athletes and fans alike, highlighting the essence of the Olympic journey.

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