Overwhelmed by the support she received from Boxing India and her fellow countrymen including cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar while facing the prospect of a life ban, boxer L Sarita Devi hopes to make it count by winning a medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
“I really thank Sachin Tendulkar, Boxing India and my fellow countrymen who stood behind me and gave me a second chance. I don’t want to let go their support in vain and win an Olympic medal,” Sarita Devi, who was handed a one-year ban by AIBA for showing dissent at the Asian Games Incheon in October, said here.
Here in the city for a felicitation programme, the Manipuri boxer said she wants to forget the past and start a new life.
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“I don’t want to talk about what happened. I was very much mentally disturbed and I’ve forgotten every bit of it. All my focus is now on earning my country an Olympic medal in 2016,” the 29-year-old said.
The lightweight pugilist was furious after losing her semifinal to local favourite Park Ji-na and she refused to accept the bronze medal, prompting the AIBA to suspend her indefinitely.
AIBA later handed her a one-year ban which would get over in October next year and can be further reduced based on her conduct.
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“Everyone learns from experience and I too have to learn to be positive... I have brought the country medals, including from Asian games, Commonwealth Games, Asian championship and World Championship. Before I put off my gloves, I want to bring Olympic glory for India,” she added.