Nikhat Zareen, born on June 14, 1996, in Nizamabad, Andhra Pradesh (now Telangana), has made a mark on the world of boxing with her exceptional achievements and inspiring journey. As a two-time world champion, Zareen’s name is synonymous with excellence in the sport. Her remarkable accomplishments include gold medals at the 2011 AIBA Women’s Youth & Junior World Boxing Championships, the 2022 Istanbul IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships, and the 2023 New Delhi IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships. Additionally, she clinched a gold medal at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and a bronze medal at the 2022 Asian Games. 

Personal Life and Background

Nikhat Zareen was born to Mohammad Jameel Ahmed and Parveen Sultana in Nizamabad, a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage. She received her primary education at Nirmala Hrudaya Girls High School in Nizamabad and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree at AV College in Hyderabad, Telangana. Zareen’s journey into boxing began under the guidance of her father, who introduced her to the sport. Her early training laid the foundation for her future successes.

In addition to her boxing career, Zareen has been serving as a staff officer at the Bank of India, zonal office at AC Guards, Hyderabad, since June 2021. This role complements her athletic career, showcasing her versatility and dedication both inside and outside the ring.

Career Beginnings and Rise to Prominence

Nikhat Zareen’s boxing career began under the watchful eye of her father. She trained with him for a year before being inducted into the Sports Authority of India (SAI) in Visakhapatnam in 2009. Under the tutelage of Dronacharya awardee IV Rao, Zareen quickly made a name for herself. Her talent was evident when she was declared the ‘golden best boxer’ at the Erode Nationals in 2010.

Major Achievements

2011 AIBA Women’s Youth & Junior World Boxing Championships
Nikhat Zareen’s breakthrough came in 2011 when she won the gold medal in the flyweight division at the AIBA Women’s Junior and Youth World Boxing Championships in Turkey. Her victory against Turkish boxer Ulku Demir was a significant milestone, marking her entry onto the global boxing stage.

2014 Youth World Boxing Championships
In 2014, Zareen secured a silver medal at the Youth World Boxing Championships held in Bulgaria, showcasing her continued rise in the boxing world.

2014 Nations Cup International Boxing Tournament
Zareen won gold at the Nations Cup International Boxing Tournament in Novi Sad, Serbia, by defeating Paltceva Ekaterina of Russia in the 51 kg weight category.

2015 16th Senior Women National Boxing Championship
At the 16th Senior Women National Boxing Championship in Assam, Zareen claimed a gold medal, further establishing her reputation in national boxing.

2019 Thailand Open International Boxing Tournament
In 2019, Zareen won a silver medal at the Thailand Open International Boxing Tournament in Bangkok, demonstrating her competitive edge on the international stage.

2019 Strandja Memorial Boxing Tournament
Zareen clinched a gold medal at the Strandja Memorial Boxing Tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria, defeating top contenders and solidifying her position as a leading boxer.

2022 Strandja Memorial Boxing Tournament
Returning to the Strandja Memorial Boxing Tournament in 2022, Zareen defeated Ukraine’s Tetiana Kob and Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Buse Naz Çakıroğlu, securing another gold medal and proving her consistency at the top level.

2022 IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships
On May 19, 2022, Zareen won gold in the 52 kg category at the Women’s World Championship in Istanbul, Turkey. This achievement placed her among the elite Indian female boxers who have won gold at the World Championships, alongside Mary Kom and others.

2022 Commonwealth Games
In the Commonwealth Games 2022 held in Birmingham, Zareen won the gold medal in the 48–50 kg (light flyweight) category, adding another prestigious title to her collection.

2023 IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships
In the 2023 New Delhi IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships, Zareen secured her second world championship gold medal by defeating Vietnam’s Nguyen Thi Tam in the 48-50 kg category.

2024 Paris Olympics
Zareen competed at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she progressed to the pre-quarterfinals but faced a setback against the world number 1, Wu Yu, in the round of 16.

Notable Achievements and Awards

Nikhat Zareen’s career is adorned with numerous accolades:

  • International Titles: From gold medals at various international tournaments to silver and bronze medals, Zareen’s achievements reflect her dedication and skill.
  • Brand Endorsements: In 2018, Zareen signed a brand endorsement deal with Adidas. She is also supported by the Welspun group and included in the Target Olympic Podium Scheme of the Sports Authority of India.
  • Awards: Zareen has been recognized with several awards, including the JFW Award for Excellence in Sports in 2019 and the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2022. She has also been appointed as the official ambassador of her hometown, Nizamabad.

Conclusion

Nikhat Zareen’s journey from a young aspiring boxer in Nizamabad to a two-time world champion is nothing short of inspirational. Her relentless pursuit of excellence, combined with her significant achievements on the global stage, has earned her a place among the greatest boxers in history.