At 29, two-time World champion Nikhat Zareen is wise beyond her years. She has moved on from her disappointing experience in the Paris Olympics, where she lost to eventual champion Wu Yu in the 50kg pre-quarterfinals. “My mindset is to work hard and give my best,” she says. “I know how hard I worked for Paris. Some things are not in our destiny.”

Famed for her resilience, Nikhat, who exited in the 51kg quarterfinals of the Liverpool World Championships earlier this year, regained her aura by securing a gold in the World Boxing Cup Finals on home turf at Greater Noida and ended 2025 on a happier note.

In a chat with The Hindu , Nikhat reflected on her Paris ordeal and looked ahead to a busy 2026 calendar, the 2028 Olympics, and other ambitions. Excerpts:

How do you feel after winning t

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