BIRMINGHAM: Nikhat Zareen not only won a gold for India on Sunday, but also showed what a sport she is.
Right after dominating Northern Ireland's Carly McNaul in the 50kg women's light flyweight final for a 5-0 unanimous verdict in her favour, Nikhat said, "Women's boxing is growing in India since Mary didi (Mary Kom) won a medal at the Olympics (London 2012). She has been a great inspiration for every boxer in India. I have always looked up to her and she has inspired me in so many ways. I want to enjoy this gold medal now, but Mary didi has set the path for all of us to follow."
Nikhat's effusive praise of Mary Kom was a far cry from late 2019, when Nikhat was embroiled in a battle with the senior, more lauded boxer, both inside and outside the ring. There was clearly some bad blood between the two but Nikhat, the world champion, has buried those skeletons. It has been a fresh start for her in this new Olympic cycle.
At the boxing hall in the National Exhibition Centre here, Nikhat fought like the champion she is. Both boxers started the fight on a cautious note, but Nikhat managed to land the first blow when she hit McNaul with a left-hand hook. She maintained her dominance throughout the first round and got a unanimous verdict by the judges.
In the second round, McNaul started aggressively as she tried to play catch-up. Nikhat landed a couple of jabs in the early minutes, but not without facing a few hits herself. But with 50 seconds to go, the Indian got a couple of counter punches in her favour and was able to see out the round. Going into the final round, Nikhat had the clear advantage.
McNaul, in the third round, appeared desperate and decided to have another go at Nikhat. But that did not have much of an affect. Aware of the fact that she was ahead after the first two rounds, Nikhat controlled the pace and tired out her opponent with clever dodges and sways. As the final bell rang, she raised her hands in victory, knowing fully that the gold medal was hers. She went down on her knees and said a prayer before doing a 'namaste' to the crowd in all four directions.