'This dream is still alive': Boxer Nikhat Zareen shares emotional post as she bids adieu to Paris

Indian boxer Nikhat Zareen took to Twitter on Saturday, August 3, to share an emotional message with her fans two days after her Paris Olympics journey came to an abrupt end. Zareen, who faced a heartbreaking defeat against China's Wu Yu, vowed to make a strong comeback in the near future.

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Nikhat Zareen shares heartfelt post after Paris Olympics exit

In her heartfelt post, Nikhat Zareen expressed the pain and disappointment of not achieving her Olympic dream, despite her unwavering dedication and sacrifices. 

"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. This defeat is the hardest I’ve ever faced; it cuts deep and is almost unbearable. My heart is heavy, but it remains unbroken. I accept it with grace and will do my best to find a way forward in my life," she wrote.

The two-time world champion detailed the arduous journey she undertook to reach the Paris Olympics, including battling through a year of injury and fighting to reclaim her spot on the team. 

"Winning an Olympic medal was my greatest dream, and I fought with everything I had to get here. The Paris 2024 journey was filled with challenges—battling through a year of injury, struggling to reclaim my spot, fighting for the opportunity to compete, and overcoming countless obstacles, all for the chance to represent our country on this global stage," she added.

Despite her best efforts, Nikhat Zareen's Olympic quest was cut short in a one-sided bout against top-seed Wu Yu of China, who defeated her by unanimous decision. After a strong start with a victory over Germany's Maxi Kloetzer in the opening round, Zareen was unable to overcome the formidable Chinese boxer.

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"I’m deeply grateful for the chance to pursue my dream, but destiny had other plans. Not achieving it here in Paris is devastating. I wish I could turn back time and put in even more effort for a different outcome, but that remains a wish," she stated.

“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. This is not goodbye but a promise to return, to fight harder, and to make you all proud. Thank you for standing by me. The journey continues.”