Driving Naari Programme launched in Chandigarh
New Delhi, Provisionally suspended she might be but Indian boxer L Sarita Devi has not given up hopes of participating in next month’s World Championships, saying that she has written to the International Boxing Association (AIBA) presenting her case.
Sarita, who was suspended for refusing to accept her Asian Games bronze medal after a controversial semifinal loss, said she is disappointed with the turn of events ever since her emotionally-charged protest on the podium.
“I am disappointed with how things have gone but I have written to Boxing India, which will forward the contents to AIBA. I cannot reveal the contents of the letter but I am hopeful that things will be sorted,” Sarita told PTI.
Sarita had cried bitterly on the podium before refusing to accept the bronze to protest against her contentious semifinal loss in the mega-event in Korea.
AIBA took a strict view of Sarita’s actions and suspended her along with three ringside Indian coaches and Indian chef-de-mission Adille Sumariwalla.
The international body had explicitly stated that the former world and Asian champion will not be allowed to participate in the World Championships, scheduled from November 19 in Jeju Islands, Korea.
However, the Indian has not yet given up on that.
“If my suspension is revoked by the end of this month, I can be a part of the Indian team for the World Championships. I am hopeful that this can be done,” she said.
Sarita’s suspension has kicked up quite a storm with the Indian Olympic Association and the Sports Ministry also trying to do their bit to help her.
In fact, IOA and the Ministry is scheduled to hold a meeting on Monday to discuss a way forward and get the suspension revoked.
