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New Delhi, Dec 17: Indian female boxer L. Sarita Devi was banned on Wednesday for one year and fined Swiss francs 1,000 by the AIBA for refusing to accept her 2014 Asiad bronze medal, a verdict that evoked an immediate concern from the Indian government, who had supported the troubled pugilist's plea of leniency.
Sarita Devi herself expressed relief that the speculated life-ban is a worry no longer, but the Indian government has not been amused by the AIBA decision.
Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, in a statement, said that the ban aroused a feeling of concern in the sporting community, a move that would demoralise the boxer.
"One-year ban on boxer Sarita Devi by AIBA for refusing her bronze medal in Incheon Asian Games has caused concern across India in general and sportspersons in particular. Government of India is of considered view that the issue of Sarita Devi should be dealt with in a sympathetic manner by the concerned authorities," Sonowal said.
"Banning her for one year at this juncture will have a demoralising effect on her consistency and good performance in the arena. It may also affect the promotion and development of boxing in India."
Sonowal said that the government will continue to pursue the matter.
"The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Govt. of India has been pursuing the matter since the beginning, and will continue to pursue it further at all appropriate forums dealing with the subject for a review of the decision of banning Sarita Devi," the statement said.
But Boxing India (BI) president Sandeep Jajodia was relieved following the announcement of the verdict.
Expressing his opinion on the AIBA verdict, Boxing India (BI) president Sandeep Jajodia said: "AIBA's verdict on Sarita Devi comes as a relief to Boxing India, the boxing fraternity, Sarita's fans and boxing enthusiasts around the world."
In Incheon, a day after she lost the 60-kg category semi-final bout to host challenger Jina Park despite dominating the bout, an inconsolable Sarita refused to accept the bronze medal and later handed it over to Park, who left the medal on the podium before making her exit at the Seonhak Gymnasium.
