Bhopal, 2 February : Minnat Zareen, a commerce student of Bengaluru’s Mount College, has qualified for volleyball and boxing for the Khelo India Games 2022 to be held in Madhya Pradesh. But Minnat Zareen’s friends insisted she plays volleyball for the state team. Volleyball and boxing competitions were overlapping, but I preferred volleyball as the team needed me more, said the Class 12 student.
Both volleyball and boxing competitions are being held in Bhopal. Despite Minnat playing a vital role, the Karnataka volleyball team lost the first league match against West Bengal by a very narrow margin. Minnat Zareen said, It was a tough match but I am happy that our team gave its best.
According to Minnat Zareen Khelo India Youth Games, 2022 will serve as a good platform to improve the mindset for future competitions. “It is a great experience to interact with athletes from other states at the Khelo India Youth Games competition and learn how they practice,” said the young Karnataka team player.
However, Minnat’s next target is to qualify for the national youth boxing team. “I have been practising boxing for the last two years and have reached a good level in boxing,” she said.
Her role model is none other than world boxing champion Nikhat Zareen.
The young athlete described his first experience in a boxing competition: When I was hit in the face with a flurry of punches, I couldn’t understand what had happened. It was very confusing for me. .
Well, that was passed, last year he won gold in the light middle (70kg) weight category at the State Boxing Meet and went on to compete in the National Youth Boxing Championship.
Since there are few female boxers at the local boxing training centre in Bengaluru, Minnat Zareen often spars with male athletes.
“Competing with male athletes is the best way to prepare for tough matches,” explains young Zareen.
Focusing on winning a national berth, the young athlete is busy as a bee. She starts her day early enough to accommodate her exercise before going to school. After school, she either goes to boxing or volleyball practice.
“My day is packed from morning to evening due to my busy schedule. Some days are so busy that I can’t even talk to my mother because by the time I reach home, it’s already evening and I have to spend an hour studying.
