Nikhat Zareen Undergoes Knee Surgery, Aims for Strong Comeback

Indian boxer Nikhat Zareen has successfully undergone knee surgery and is focused on her recovery. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she expressed gratitude to her medical team and sponsors while vowing to return stronger. However, she faced setbacks by missing selection for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and Asian Games after an unexpected defeat in the national trials. Zareen's journey reflects her resilience and determination to overcome challenges in her boxing career.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 18, 2026, 07:25 IST

Determined to Make a Comeback

Indian boxer Nikhat Zareen has announced that she has successfully completed knee surgery and is now dedicated to her recovery. In an Instagram update, she expressed gratitude towards her medical team at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and her sponsor, Reliance Foundation Sports, for their unwavering support. Nikhat shared her resolve to return to the ring stronger than before, stating, "Life threw me a curveball, but I'm choosing to come back stronger. The past few months have been tough, dealing with knee pain that ultimately led to surgery. Recovery starts now, one step at a time, with patience, faith, and determination. A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, the entire team at Kokilaben Hospital, and my sponsor @RFYouthSports for their incredible care and support. I believe Allah is preparing me for something greater. This is just a pause, not the end. I'll be back soon. Stronger than ever."

Missed Opportunities in Major Competitions

The two-time world champion and Commonwealth Games gold medalist, Nikhat Zareen, faced disappointment as she was not selected for the upcoming 2026 Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. This setback followed an unexpected defeat during the national trials held in Patiala in May. Nikhat's journey in the trials concluded in the semi-finals, where she lost 4-1 to Sakshi Chaudhary. Sakshi went on to secure the women's 51kg title by defeating reigning 48kg world champion Minakshi Hooda 5-0 in the final. Minakshi had previously triumphed over former world champion and Commonwealth Games 2022 gold medalist Nitu Ghanghas in the semi-finals. Although Hooda won gold in the 48kg category at the Asian Boxing Championships, this weight class is not included in the Asian Games or Commonwealth Games programs. Consequently, Minakshi transitioned to the 51kg division, where her campaign ended with a loss to Sakshi Chaudhary.