One of India’s top boxers, Nikhat Zareen, fumed over the administrative chaos surrounding Indian boxing after he failed the Asian and Commonwealth Games selection trials on Thursday, May 14.
Reacting after the event, Nikhat said the athletes were left “mentally and physically exhausted” due to the tussle between the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) and the Sports Authority of India (SAI).
Nikhat’s hopes of qualifying for the two majors ended after she lost 1-4 to Sakshi Chaudhary in the 51kg semi-final during the selection trials on Thursday.
Speaking to PTI after the fight, the two-time world champion said that uncertainty over the selection process has made life extremely difficult for the boxers in recent weeks.
“The last two weeks have been like torture for us boxers. I don’t want to blame any person or body. But the athletes have come into conflict between the two (SAI and BFI),” said Nikhat.
DRAMA BEFORE THE TENDER PROCEDURE
The selection process fell into disarray after the SAI objected to the BFI’s proposed rating system following complaints from several boxers. The federation was eventually forced to abandon the model in the middle and return to a traditional trial-based format.
Nikhat revealed that the athletes spent weeks training on ever-changing schedules while trying to maintain strict weight goals.
“We were told that the camp will start from April 25, but then the sanction did not come. Then they said that once the camp starts on April 29, the evaluation system will also start,” she explained.
The Hyderabad-based boxer said athletes were warned that missing practices or adjusting schedules due to injuries would result in points being deducted. Boxers were also repeatedly asked to stay within various body weight limits during the camp.
“First five percent body weight, then four, then two, then one. They gained weight until May 10,” she said.
Nikhat added that the entire evaluation process was ultimately scrapped, leaving the athletes frustrated after weeks of intense preparation.
“We had physical tests, beep tests, strength tests, and everyone gave their best. In the end, we were told that no matter what tests we did, no points would count,” she said.
The 29-year-old player admitted that she now plans to take a break after grueling months.
“I am mentally and physically exhausted. I have not had a break since January 2025. Now I want to take a break and prepare for future tournaments,” said Nikhat.
Despite missing out on the Asian and Commonwealth Games, the former world champion said her focus is already shifting to next year’s Olympic qualification cycle.
“But I’m looking at the bigger picture, which is qualifying for the World Olympics,” she concluded.
– The end
Issued by:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
14 May 2026 23:32 IST
