The women pugilist was relieved to finish on the podium after the sports debut at the Glasgow games
Mumbai: Laishram Sarita Devi, who is now the first Indian female boxer to win a boxing silver medal at the Commonwealth Games after the sport was introduced for the first time in Glasgow, said she was relieved to finish on the podium. After missing out on the London Olympics, Sarita despite being a five-time Asian champion and twice world champion was forced to play second fiddle to M.C. Mary Kom.
With Mary missing out on the Glasgow Games, the spotlight was firmly on Sarita. “It feels great to be known as the first Indian medallist. Ten-twenty years down the line when people talk about boxing, my name will always be discussed,” Sarita said.The 29-year-old said that the CWG medal was special for her. “When I did not qualify for London Games, I thought of giving up. My husband, family and friends egged me on to continue. They supported me and this medal is for everyone who believed in me.”
Behind Sarita’s success was her husband Thoiba, who made sure she was in right shape. After having a child, Sarita had put on weight and needed to shed about 25 kgs. “She would get up at 3 am and start working out. Maintaining fitness and stamina was part of her routine.”The credit for Sarita’s overwhelming show also goes to the Olympic Gold Quest, who ensured her injury on the right hand, was always under control. Kiran C. a physio provided by OGQ for the badminton team looked after Sarita too. “I don’t think I would have played in the final without OGQ. Kiran played a big role. The injury would have ruined my dream but I was looked after very well.”
Since her medal feat in Glasgow, Sarita and Devendro Singh are been hailed as the “boxing cousins from Manipur who’ve done the nation proud”. Sarita bursts out laughing, “I don’t know from where it has started. Everyone has been asking me about his performance. I have seen Devendro ever since he was a kid. His sister Sushila (former national champion) is a friend of mine. I think I should start calling him my little brother from now on.”
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