"Had Not Eaten Last 2 Days, Didn't Even Drink Water": Nikhat Zareen On Her Paris Olympic Elimination

Weary from a challenging loss, Nikhat Zareen valiantly restrained her tears as she recounted the trials she faced both within the ring and in the 48 hours preceding the pre-quarterfinal bout against China's Wu Yu, until she finally succumbed to her emotions. Touted as one of India's strongest medal prospects before the Games, Nikhat bowed out of the Olympics after a heartbreaking 0-5 loss to the top-seed Chinese pugilist at the North Paris Arena on Thursday. "I will come back strong," she said at least five times, probably trying to convince herself and everyone else around her that the Olympic road does not end here for her.

Nikhat, a two-time world champion, trained on an empty stomach, could not sleep the night before the pre-quarterfinal and kept thinking about the match against the reigning Asian Games gold medallist Yu, who is also a 2023 world champion in flyweight (52kg).

Eventually, her worst fears came true as she lost the battle of the world champions.

It was clear this defeat will haunt her for long. Yu dominated the contest even as Nikhat made a brief comeback in round 2 but that was not enough.

"Can I have some water please," she said, gesturing towards her coach, had a sip from the half-filled bottle and gathered her thoughts.

"Sorry guys, I could not win a medal for the country. I have made a lot of sacrifices to reach here. I had prepared myself well mentally and physically for this Olympics," she said referring to the time spent away from her family and the hard training sessions she went through.

"I had not eaten in the last two days, I had to maintain weight. I did not even have water, and only after weigh-in I had some water but I had no time to recover, I was first in the ring today," said Nikhat,