Taking up the Sarita Devi issue at the highest level, Sports Minister Sarbanand Sonowal has urged the Amateur International Boxing Association (AIBA) to take a sympathetic view of the case and revoke the provisional suspension slapped on Sarita and others.
In a letter to AIBA president Dr. Ching-Kuo Wu dated December 1, the minister has said the boxer had already tendered an unconditional apology for her actions during the Incheon Asian Games medal ceremony. Sarita had refused to accept her bronze medal and walked away after placing it on the podium. The Olympic Council of Asia had accepted the apology.
“As you may be aware, Mr. Haider B. Farman, Director of Asian Games Department, OCA, informed Mr. David B. Francis, AIBA Technical Delegate, that OCA had reviewed the official complaint lodged by AIBA. Accordingly, the OCA Working Committee reviewed all details including the formal apology from Mr. Adille Sumariwalla, chef de mission of Indian contingent and Ms. Sarita Devi.
“The Working Committee accepted the unconditional apology and understood the circumstances in which the incident took place, issuing a stern warning that this type of action and disrespect should not happen in future,” Sonowal wrote in his letter.
He further stated that, “Her suspension has had a demoralising effect on other aspiring sportspersons... I would urge you to take a very sympathetic view of the matter and take no further action against her.” — Special Correspondent
