Players’ preparations were also affected by the dispute between SAI and the Boxing Federation
New Delhi: Indian women’s boxer Nikhat Zareen has now shifted her focus towards the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Nikhat recently suffered defeats in the selection trials for the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, leaving her disappointed. She stated that one of the major reasons behind this setback was the ongoing administrative conflict between the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Boxing Federation of India.
According to Nikhat, the tension between these two organizations directly impacted the preparation of athletes, leaving boxers caught in the middle of the situation. Speaking about the reasons for her loss in the trials, she explained that she was completely exhausted both mentally and physically. Since January 2025, she has been continuously participating in tournaments and has barely had enough time to spend at home.
Nikhat Zareen is considered one of India’s strongest medal contenders in boxing, making her exit from the trials a significant disappointment for the sporting community. She said that she now plans to work on her shortcomings and make a stronger comeback. Nikhat also clarified that her next major target will be the qualifiers for the Los Angeles Olympics. She added that whenever the Boxing Federation of India announces the national championships, she will return fully prepared.
