Boxer Sarita Devi banned for a year for Asian Games protest

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, December 17, 2014: The International Boxing Federation (AIBA) on Wednesday banned Manipuri boxer Sarita Devi for a year, a week after she finally received her Asian Games bronze medal which she had refused at the victory ceremony in Incheon under controversial circumstances.

Sarita was provisionally suspended by the AIBA after she refused to accept her medal following a controversial semi-final loss in the Asian Games. The AIBA had made it clear that her career was "as good as over" despite tendering an unconditional apology for her actions.

Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal had also written to the AIBA asking it to revoke the provisional suspension on Sarita, considering her humble background and her earlier track record of good behaviour. Cricket icon and Rajya Sabha MP Sachin Tendulkar had also extended support to Sarita while urging the people, the government and sports bodies to work for her cause.

In October, Sarita Devi had apologised for the act at the Asian Games. "Let me tender my sincere apology for the incidents on September 30 and October 1. I do accept that the incidents should not have happened and I deeply regret the incidents with a pledge that these will never happen again," the 32-year-old boxer’s letter to AIBA said.

Refusing to wear the bronze medal around her neck, Sarita had tearfully accepted the medal in her hand and then gave it to silver medalist Ji Na Park of host South Korea, amid loud boos by the Indians present at the ceremony at Incheon. Sarita was declared the loser after her semi-final bout against Park despite dominating the bout. The Indian team had lodged a protest against the decision, which was rejected by the AIBA.

 

Courtesy: Indiatoday