Hyderabad:Still in her teens, when Nikhat Zareen asked her father why only men were seen boxing in the ring at the Collector's sports ground in Telangana's Nizamabad, her father told her the sport requires hardwork and power. An inquisitive Zareen would then ask if girls can't box. 'Beta' people think women are subservient to men and they don't have it in them to take up the sport, Mohammad Jameel Ahmed recalled as saying.
Epiphany dawned and Nikhat took it as a challenge. A casual stroll at the ground would lead to an obsession with boxing that would go on to make her a gold medallist at the World Boxing Championship.
However, she won't have it easy in a world where women are deemed as weaker beings. From being called out for her attire to fighting patriarchal beliefs, Nikhat's father recounts various incidents that led to the making of a champion. For Nikhat herself, her sole focus remains on the podium finish at the Paris Olympics.
Excerpts:
Nikhat Zareen's father Mohammad Jameel Ahmed
Q. When did you realise that Nikhat was interested in Boxing?
A. It was her summer holidays. I took her to the Collector sports ground just so she could spend her time with other children present on the ground. If she could find interest in a sport, then we could have her admitted in that particular sport. She started visiting regularly and we realised she has talent in the sports field. She initially started training in Athletics - 100m and 200m - that went on for 4-5 months. There were a few boxers on the ground as well and they used to play. And then she would ask 'papa' boxing seems like an exciting game but why there are no girls playing. I told her that it requires a lot of hard work and power to which she said she wanted to take up the sport. And it all started from there.
Q. We live in a society where it is difficult for parents to get their daughters into sports. Parents have to be courageous to ward off the outside noise. How did you deal with it?
A. I myself was a sportsperson. When I understood she was interested in boxing, I took her there and the training started. She had started doing well and people would see her and tell me why I let her play boxing. They would criticise behind my back about her and even ask my friend why Nikhat has taken up boxing and not some other sport. I told them it was our choice and the rest we had left up to God. I never really cared much. She was selected for the Indian camp in Vishakhapatnam where she went to a coaching camp. During our journey until the national level, they would criticse her for wearing shorts and half t-shirts and comment on clothes she used to wear. I used to ignore them. Sometimes, you just have to stay patient. She is now a gold medallist. The same people are congratulating me now. Everyone and everything changed and they want to see and meet Nikhat.
Q. We are witnessing fathers playing a massive role in shaping their daughter's career, particularly in sports. PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, and now Nikhat. There are plenty of examples. What would be your message to the fathers and daughters of our country?