Hyderabad: Sarita Devi has found support from unexpected yet certainly strong quarters. Sachin Tendulkar has written to the Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, requesting for some action to be taken to ensure that Devi’s career does not die a premature and unnecessary death.
If one recalls, Devi had been suspended by the AIBA for having refused to accept her Asian Games bronze medal, as her way of protesting against the seemingly wrong decision that the referee had made.
Sachin, who has displayed a great sports-manly empathy towards Devi says in the heat of the moment, sportspersons react, but the more important thing that needs to be given weightage is the fact that Devi regretted her gesture and even apologised to the authorities concerned.
In his letter, Sachin wrote, “I would urge you to kindly look into this issue urgently and ensure that she is given competent support so that her career is not threatened and ends in a premature manner. As a fellow sportsperson, I can relate to the emotional turmoil which Ms. Devi must have undergone leading to the unfortunate outburst. Subsequently, she has regretted and deserves another chance to continue her pursuits.â€
This may come as a humungous boost to the boxer, who, till now, was pretty certain to have played out her last bout. Even from the ministry’s side, there has been no action thus far, perhaps spiralling from the fear that they’ll be thrown away from the Olympic fold yet again.
Whatever the case might be, Sarita Devi does deserve another chance, especially because she’s shown her mettle and she’s the one who can take Indian women’s boxing to the next level.
With his profound gesture, Sachin has also very well proved that he’s not one of those who would sit and sympathise; instead, he’s chosen his action to speak louder than his claims.
Hope at least this request by Sachin helps Sarita Devi and Indian boxing in general.