“She would put on weight and it wasn’t the right thing to do,” said Jameel. “We had to ensure that even during lockdown, her focus stayed on the world competitions.”
The father-daughter duo soon devised their own plans. She would skip in the morning and train in the afternoons on the terrace. And the routine was as rigorous as the national camps.
“If you are an elite athlete, it is far more difficult to stay at the top than to just reach the pinnacle,” Jameel said.
“And when you add media, money, public attention and events to the challenge, it isn’t easy.
“I asked Nikhat to forget everything else. You are here on a mission for India. Focus on the world championships, Asian Games and the Olympics. After that you can rest easy.
“Things can go away as fast as they come if you let other distractions take over. I’m not the one to insist that she must win. All I want is that she gives it everything she has. The results will come.”For her mother, Parveen Sultana, it has been hard. “Who would like her daughter to be beaten up?” she asked. “Kisi ko achha lag sakta hai kya? (does nobody like it?!)” Jameel teased her.
“She (mother) wouldn’t watch Nikhat’s bouts. Each time Nikhat would get hit, she would get up and walk away. She would feel scared. Things have changed now. She is the first person to sit in front of the TV to watch Nikhat fight these days. And not only that. Every time Nikhat lands a punch, she screams: ‘Maar, maar. Aur maar’ (Hit, hit. Hit some more). The change is for all to see.”
Bhaskar Bhatt, Nikhat’s coach, is impressed by her work ethics. “As coaches, our job is to keep the athlete in the best shape,” said Bhatt.
“With Nikhat, it is easier because she has extreme focus. She knows one world championship or one CWG gold isn’t her ambition. She wants to be an Olympic champion. She remembers every single setback and takes strength from her struggles. She won’t stop. Aap dekh lena (you just watch).”
Nikhat is not only a talented boxer, but also has a wise head on her shoulders.
She knows that all the fame and money is because of her success in the ring. “There are many other athletes who are working hard to get here. They all want to win. So, I have to work harder than them,” she said.
“I remember the day when I asked my father why girls don’t take up the sport after seeing a camp in Hyderabad. And I also remember his support. I can’t let my parents down.
“Yes, things have become easier. I can now train the way I want. With scientific backing, mental conditioning, nutrition, all being looked after. I only have to focus on my training.”
Nikhat hasn’t forgotten her journey from a village in Telangana, the social conservatism that had held her back in her formative years and the struggle to make the national team. Every setback made her more determined, toughened her from inside, sharpened her focus. Losing out on Tokyo Olympics berth in 2021 was instrumental in creating the Nikhat she has become.
Yes, she would do a friendly dance with Salman Khan, but it all ends there. When she steps into the ring, she is a very different personality.
“I enjoy the pressure. How many of us get this privilege to do something for the country and your own people?” said Nikhat, who climbed down to 50kg weight category from 52kg to be able to participate in the Olympics.
Tonight, Zareen will have another opportunity to add to her story, another step in her already inspirational journey, in front of home fans in the national capital with Jameel and Sultana in the stands screaming “maar, maar”.
