Behind that unassuming demeanour, boxer Nikhat Zareen, who hails from a nondescript Vinayak Nagar in Nizamabad (Telangana), are layers of steely resolve and perseverance. She always wanted to make it big in the boxing ring and win laurels for her town, state and country. Her moment came in the World Boxing Championship at Istanbul on Thursday when she put up a sterling show to beat Jitpong Jutamas of Thailand 5-0 in the 52kg final. 

The gutsy Zareen, who was once ridiculed by MC Mary Kom (“who is Nikhat Zareen? I don’t know her,” she said on Republic TV), made a telling statement to become the fifth Indian woman to win a gold at the World Championship. Five bouts in seven days and unanimous wins make it more remarkable. “Inshallah, I will work hard like this and try to give my best to win a medal in the Paris Olympics. I dedicate this medal to all my countrymen who supported me throughout my career,” she vowed.