Need to train Indian athletes to handle mental pressure at big events: Nikhat Zareen

Nikhat Zareen, who feels specialised training should be given to overcome this hurdle at big-ticket events. Indian athletes have a tendency to perform well at regular events but falter at the big stage like the Olympics or the World Championships. "Our Indian boxers are very talented, we are not less than anyone.

We have strength, speed and power.. everything," Zareen said when asked where the Indian boxers are lacking. "It's just that once you reach that (world) level, boxers should be given training to handle the mental pressure.

"Once you reach the big platforms a lot of athletes become nervous, they aren't able to perform," added Zareen, who was talking at an interaction organised by the Indian Women's Press Corps (IWPC). Zareen, who was crowned the world champion in the flyweight event last month, has also sealed a berth for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, starting on July 28. A lot has been said about how Zareen, who comes from an orthodox society, had to overcome societal prejudice to make a career in boxing.

But the 25-year-old made it clear she's not fighting for a particular community, she fights and wins for India. "As an athlete I'm here to represent India. For me, Hindu-Muslim doesn't matter.

I'm not representing a community but my country. Happy to win a medal for my country." Zareen has had to wait long for a chance in the flyweight category which veteran Indian boxer MC Mary Kom has made her own but the Telangana boxer feels the wait increased her hunger to do well. "Not only for me but other boxers in that category, they too wanted a chance.