Boxer says incident was not planned neither instigated by husband, coaches
L. Sarita Devi on Monday pleaded with the International Boxing Association to revoke the ban saying that the incident on the podium "was an expression of deep emotional feeling" and would never happen again
New Delhi: Apologetic at her conduct that led to a provisional suspension, L. Sarita Devi on Monday pleaded with the International Boxing Association to revoke the ban saying that the incident on the podium “was an expression of deep emotional feeling” and would never happen again. Sarita along with Games chef-de-mission Adille Sumariwala and three ringside coaches — Gurbax Singh Sandhu, Blas Iglesias Fernandez and Sagar Mal Dhayal — were provisionally suspended after the pugilist refused to accept her bronze medal owing to a controversial semi-final loss at the Incheon Asian Games.
The world boxing body’s decision has also jeopardised Sarita’s participation at the World Champion-ships that begins in Jeju, South Korea, on November 19. All three coaches were restrained from taking part in competitions and meetings until further notice.In her reply to Aiba’s notice, the boxer wrote, “I sincerely apologise once again for my conduct and request your good office to lift the sanction so that I can continue the game I live for and love the most.”
Sarita also requested the Aiba to consider her untarnished disciplinary record when her fate is decided by the disciplinary committee. “In my 14-year long career, I had never been involved in any act of indiscipline or misconduct both in the national and international arena. I would like to plead with your good office to consider my case and pardon me for the incidents in Incheon.”
Earlier in the day, the sports ministry asked Boxing India to help Sarita and the coaches file their replies to the world body notice.AIBA’s strict view of her protest on the podium prompted the Sports Ministry, Indian Olympic Association and BI to hold a meeting to chart out a future course of action.The meeting was attended by Sports Secretary Ajit Sharan, IOA President N. Ramachandran and Secretary General Rajeev Mehta, Aiba representative from India Kishen Narsi, Sandhu and Sandeep Jajodia, the president of BI, which is yet to get recognition from the government as well as the IOA.
However, SAI has ruled out going to the Court of Arbitration for Sports in Lausanne, Switzerland, if the Aiba rejects India’s plea. “It is premature to think about CAS right now. What we are doing is the logical first step.”
( Source : dc correspondent )
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