Indian boxing sensation Nikhat Zareen has expressed deep disappointment over her early exit from the Paris 2024 Olympics, labeling her pre-quarterfinal defeat as the hardest loss of her career. The 50kg women’s boxing contender was eliminated after a unanimous decision loss to China’s top-seeded reigning Asian Games champion, Wu Yu.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Nikhat opened up about the emotional toll of her defeat, describing how her long-held Olympic dream crumbled in a moment that was supposed to be the pinnacle of her career.

“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,” she wrote.

Nikhat, who was widely seen as a strong medal contender, had entered the Games with high hopes and the support of her nation. Her loss, however, has not deterred her spirit. Instead, it has fueled a renewed determination to achieve her ultimate goal of Olympic glory.

“Every setback is a setup for a comeback,” Nikhat stated, vowing to return stronger and more focused. She acknowledged the immense support she has received from her fans and well-wishers, promising to channel this encouragement into her training as she looks ahead to future competitions.

While her exit from the Paris Games is undoubtedly a setback, Nikhat’s resilience and commitment to her sport remain unshaken. As she turns the page on this chapter, her focus now shifts to the journey ahead, with eyes firmly set on the podium in future Olympic Games.

The boxing community and fans across India have rallied around Nikhat, offering words of encouragement and support as she embarks on her path to redemption. Despite the disappointment of Paris, the belief in her potential remains strong, and many are confident that she will return to the ring stronger than ever, ready to achieve the Olympic success she has long dreamed of.