Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal urges AIBA to take sympathetic view of Sarita Devi

NEW DELHI:Pleading with the International Boxing Association to revoke the suspension imposed on boxer L Sarita Devi, Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has written a letter to AIBA President Dr Ching Kuo Wu requesting him to take a sympathetic view given her humble background.

Sarita was provisionally suspended after she refused to accept her medal following a controversial semifinal loss in the Asian Games.

The AIBA is yet to take a final call on the quantum of Sarita's punishment but Dr Wu has already made it clear that her career is "as good as over" despite tendering an unconditional apology for her actions.

"I would request you to consider the fact that Ms Sarita Devi comes from a very humble background and has risen in her sport due to her hard work, perseverance and talent. Her suspension has had a demoralising effect on other aspiring sportspersons who would like to emulate her example and achieve sporting excellence," Sonowal said in the letter.

Citing the stern warning issued to Sarita by the Olympic Council of Asia, Sonowal said that she has been punished enough.

"Keeping in view all the factors and in the interest of promotion and development of boxing in India, I would urge you to take a very sympathetic view of the matter and take no further action against her beyond what has already been done by the OCA," he said.

Along with Sarita, three coaches, including national men's coach Gurbax Singh Sandhu, were also provisionally suspended and AIBA is yet to decide on their fate.