New Delhi: Boxer Sarita Devi on Wednesday accepted her Asian Games bronze medal. She had refused the award at the victory ceremony in Incheon under controversial circumstances. Indian Olympic Association Secretary General Rajeev Mehta presented the medal to the Manipuri pugilist at the IOA Headquarters in New Delhi.
“L Sarita Devi, bronze medal winner in boxing 60kg weight category in 17th Asian Games 2014 held in Incheon, Korea received her medal in New Delhi. The Secretary General, Indian Olympic Association Rajeev Mehta handed over the medal to her in the office of the IOA in New Delhi,” the IOA said in a statement.
Sarita was provisionally suspended by the International Boxing Federation (AIBA) after she refused to accept her medal following a controversial semifinal loss in the Asian Games.
AIBA is yet to take a final call on the quantum of Sarita’s punishment but Wu Ching-kuo, AIBA’s President already made it clear that her career is “as good as over” despite tendering an unconditional apology for her actions.
Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has written a letter to the AIBA to revoke the provisional suspension on Sarita, considering her humble background and her earlier track record of good behaviour. Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar has also extended support to Sarita while urging the people, the government and sports bodies to work for Sarita’s cause.
Mehta said that the IOA has also written a letter to the AIBA to take a lenient view on Sarita.
“I had a lengthy discussion with Sarita today and I told her the IOA is behind her. We have also written a letter to the AIBA to take a lenient view on her,” he said.