Government Writes to AIBA, Seeks Reversal on Sarita Devi's Ban
Sarita Devi had refused to wear her bronze at the podium ceremony after her semifinal loss to South Korea's Ji Na Park at Incheon in October, triggering a huge controversy.
The government has written to AIBA to revoke the suspension of boxer Sarita Devi, Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said today. Sonowal, who along with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar were among many who had shown strong support for Sarita, said the government was pursuing the issue.
"From our side, we have been pursuing that matter before international forum. I have written to the President of AIBA to revoke the suspension order," Sonowal told reporters outside the Parliament. Boxer Sarita Devi, who had refused to accept her Asian Games bronze medal, was today banned for one year by the world body AIBA, putting an end to the prolonged suspense over her fate following the controversial protest. (Sarita Receives her Medal)
Sarita had refused to wear her bronze at the podium ceremony after her semifinal loss to South Korea's Ji Na Park at Incheon in October, triggering a huge controversy.
The boxer is barred from taking part in national and international events from October 1, 2014 to October, 2015 besides being fined 1000 Swiss francs. Former Lok Sabha speaker and National People's Party MP PA Sangma condemned the ban on Sarita. Sonowal said the one-year-ban would have a demoralising effect on Sarita.
"Ms. Sarita Devi, one of the most talented sportspersons in India comes from a very humble background and has risen high in her sport due to hard work, perseverance and talent," the Minister said.
"Banning her for one year at this juncture will have a demoralising effect on her consistency and good performance in the arena. It may also affect the promotion and development of boxing in India," he added.
Sonowal said he would continue to request the AIBA for a lenient view of Sarita.
"Government of India is of the considered view that the issue of Sarita Devi should be dealt with in a sympathetic manner by the concerned authorities. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India has been pursuing the matter since the beginning and will continue to pursue it further at all appropriate forums dealing with the subject for a review of the decision of banning Sarita Devi," he said.