‘Sarita’s past records will be her defence’

New Delhi: Requesting the International Boxing Association to revoke the provisional suspension on L Sarita Devi, Boxing India President Sandeep Jajodia on Monday said her unconditional apology and her impeccable past disciplinary record would form the crux of her defence in front of the world body.

Sarita has been provisionally suspended for refusing to accept her bronze medal owing to a controversial semifinal loss at the Asian Games in Incheon. The suspension has jeopardised her chances of participating in the World Championships from November 19 in Jeju Islands, Korea.

AIBA's strict view of her protest on the podium prompted the Sports Ministry and the Indian Olympic Association to hold a meeting on Monday to chart a future course of action.

"It was a purely emotional reaction and perfectly human for somebody to feel disappointed after a loss. It was not preplanned, it was a natural outburst," Jajodia, who also attended the meeting, said.

"We don't deny that it was disrespectful towards the code of conduct for athletes but she tendered an unconditional apology. Besides, she does not have a history of such an offence and is quite a senior boxer.

"Also, it was a one off incident and we must look at it from a human perspective. They have sought a clarification and it is being sent today," he added.

Along with Sarita, three ringside coaches, including national men's coach Gurbaksh Singh Sandhu, were suspended by AIBA. They will also be filing their reply to AIBA's notice.