Requesting the International Boxing Association (AIBA) to revoke the provisional suspension on L. Sarita Devi, Boxing India president Sandeep Jajodia on Monday said her unconditional apology and 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 Incheon Asian Games. 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 that will chart the future course of action.
“It was a purely emotional reaction and perfectly human for somebody to feel disappointed after a loss. It was not pre-planned, it was a natural outburst,” Mr. Jajodia 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.”
Along with Sarita, three ringside coaches, including national men’s coach Gurbaksh Singh Sandhu, >were suspended by AIBA.
