Former India coach BI Fernandez believes Nikhat Zareen has a shot at an Olympic medal in Paris: ‘This is her time’
Long-serving boxing coach Blas Iglesias Fernandez has expressed confidence in Indian boxers Nikhat Zareen and Lovlina Borgohain to win medals at the Paris Olympics. Fernandez, who is back in India as High Performance Coach, believes Zareen has a high probability to bag a medal.
Fernandez, the only overseas coach to have won a Dronacharya award, highlighted Zareen’s boxing style and tactical skills, stating that she is in control of her bouts. He also emphasized the importance of Zareen proving herself and stepping out of Mary Kom’s shadow to make India proud.
Regarding Lovlina Borgohain, Fernandez mentioned that she needs to show more killer instinct and be more aggressive to secure a medal in Paris. Despite struggling with form after Tokyo, Lovlina has the potential to finish among the medals if she boxes to her full potential, according to Fernandez.
Nikhat Zareen and Lovlina Borgohain, along with two other Indian women boxers, have qualified for the Paris Olympics. Fernandez is hopeful that Indian men will also qualify for the Games, with the second and final world qualifiers in Bangkok offering the opportunity to clinch more Paris spots. Fernandez believes boxers like Nishant Dev and Amit Panghal have the potential to secure these quotas.
