The nondescript town of Nizamabad in the state of Telangana holds the distinction of producing two Commonwealth Games medallists at Birmingham recently. Boxers Nikhat Zareen and Mohammed Hussamuddin, who won the gold and bronze medals respectively, have helped this small town gain prominence. For Hussamuddin, 28, it was back-to-back bronze medals, having earlier picked up third place at the 2018 CWG in Gold Coast, Australia. Nikhat continued her brilliance after winning gold at the World Championships in May this year.

“It’s a proud moment for the people of Nizamabad that Nikhat and I brought honours to this town. Nikhat’s gold is a tribute to her hard work and discipline. In fact, my father, Shamshuddin, used to train her when she was younger. Initially, when my father took her under his wings, there was lot of apprehension about whether she would be able to take the blows as many felt boxing is a man’s sport.