Sarita Devi Promises to Win Olympic Medal After Being Handed Ban
Sarita Devi thanked Boxing India and Sachin Tendulkar for their support after she got away just with a one-year ban for refusing her Asian Games bronze medal in Incheon earlier this year.
Sarita Devi, who was on Wednesday banned for a year by the Amateur International Boxing Association (AIBA) for refusing to accept her Asian Games bronze medal, thanked Boxing India, the Sports Ministry, Sachin Tendulkar and the entire country for supporting her at a time when it looked like she could be banned for life. Sarita said she will now win a medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics to make the whole country proud.
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"Boxing India, Sports Minister, Sachin Tendulkar and all of India have stood by me. That is why I have the opportunity to return to the boxing ring. I want to thank everyone. I will not let their efforts go to waste. I will win an Olympic medal and make the country proud," Sarita Devi told NDTV on Wednesday, hours after her one-year ban was made official.
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In Incheon, a day after she lost the 60-kg category semi-final bout to host challenger Jina Park despite dominating the bout, an inconsolable Sarita refused to accept the bronze medal and later handed it over to Park, who left the medal on the podium before making her exit at the Seonhak Gymnasium.
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Speculation was rife that the apex body of world boxing will impose a life-ban on the former world champion. The Indian government had earnestly appealed for consideration of her humble background and controversy-free image to spare her a career-ending ban. The likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Vijender Singh joined in efforts to ensure Sarita's career did not end prematurely.
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The ban will run till October 1, 2015, providing her an opportunity to represent the country in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. The Manipuri boxer said she was relieved the tenure of the ban would let her prepare for the Olympic qualifiers and repay the immense support she has received.
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"I am very happy as I will be able to participate in the Olympics. I had faith that AIBA would allow me to return to the boxing ring," Sarita said.
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"I have one year to prepare and improve upon my weaknesses. I am happy that I am getting time to prepare. There are no major competitions in 2015 and Olympic qualifications will take place in early 2016. So this is a big opportunity for me to improve upon my weaknesses and try and qualify for the Olympics," she added.