Sachin Tendulkar Appeals to India to Back Banned Boxer Sarita Devi

Sachin Tendulkar has urged India to back banned boxer Sarita Devi. After meeting sports minister Sarbananda Sonowal in New Delhi on Wednesday, the cricket legend said the country should back Sarita in her quest to overturn a ban from the Amateur International Boxing Association. Sarita was banned for refusing to accept her medal during the Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea.

"I appeal to the entire country to be behind Sarita," Tendulkar said. Sarita had lost on points a controversial lightweight semifinal bout against a South Korean opponent. Her post-match protest was rejected by the technical jury.

"I know how it feels. Sarita's career should not be jeopardised," Tendulkar told reporters, adding: "Everyone responds differently to situations. AIBA should consider her case." Sarita has already apologised to AIBA.

Olympic bronze medallists MC Mary Kom and Vijender Singh, Indian Olympic Association president N. Ramachandran, Boxing India president Sandeep Jajodia and boxing coach GS Sandhu were also present in the meeting. (Vijender Singh wants apologetic Sarita Devi to be pardoned by AIBA)

Sonowal also came out in support of Sarita and promised full governmental support to her. "On behalf of the Government of India, we will take up the matter with AIBA. We will request them to to reconsider her case. India will always be grateful to Sarita for what she has done for the country and she has our full backing," he said. (Sarita Devi's husband, coach to get show cause notice from Boxing India)

Last week, batting legend Tendulkar wrote a letter to the minister urging him to support her and ensure that her career is not terminated prematurely. "I would urge you to kindly look into this issue urgently and ensure that she is given competent support so that her career is not threatened and ends in a premature manner," Tendulkar wrote.

Sarita lost in the semifinals of the women's lightweight (60kg) competition at Incheon, South Korea, in September, and tried to give her medal to her opponent at the presentation ceremony as a protest.

Sarita, upset with the controversial decision, refused to bend down to let the medal be placed over her neck. She then took the medal and slipped it onto the neck of Park Ji-Na, who had been declared the winner of their semifinal bout.

The South Korean boxer, an eventual silver medallist, tried to give the bronze medal back to Sarita, then left it on the podium. Tendulkar said being a sportsman he could relate to Sarita's emotional turmoil.

"As a fellow sportsperson, I can relate to the emotional turmoil which Ms. Devi must have undergone leading to the unfortunate outburst. Subsequently, she has regretted and deserves another chance to continue her pursuits," the 41-year old wrote.

Tendulkar said the Manipuri boxer should be allowed to compete at the highest level since she had already apologised for her behaviour.

"As you may be aware, she has already apologised for her unsportsmanlike behaviour. As a country, we should make every effort to ensure that Ms. Devi is pardoned and allowed to pursue her boxing skills at the highest level," he said.

Tendulkar requested Sonowal to consider forming a task force of senior officials from the Indian Olympic Association and the Boxing Federation and defend her case in front of the governing body, AIBA.

"With limited knowledge on the ongoing process, I would sincerely request to consider forming a task force of senior officials from the Indian Olympic Association, the Indian Boxing Federation backed with strong legal minds under your stewardship.

"The objective of this task force should be to deter any potential move by the Governing body to cause irreversible harm to Ms. Devi's career by placing compelling arguments in her defence. This is critical as Ms. Devi belongs to a set of passionate sportspersons who have taken immense pride in representing the country and deserve all the support and backing from various stakeholders including Government of India," he wrote.

Tendulkar urged the Minister to take the necessary actions. "I am sure you will look into this matter and take due actions in a prompt manner."