Sarita tenders apology for sake of boxing mates
Source: The Sangai Express / Ninglun Hanghal
New Delhi, October 03 2014 :
Boxer Laishram Sarita Devi who rejected her Asian Games bronze medal because she disputed her semifinal loss apologized in a letter to the International Boxing Association on Thursday.
A day after the medal ceremony in Incheon, South Korea, L Sarita Devi wrote to AIBA president Ching-Kuo Wu tendering "an unconditional apology" for her "emotional outburst," adding "I regret and apologize.
Such an incident will never recur in the future" .
Her letter was forwarded to Wu by the head of the Indian delegation at Incheon, Adille Sumariwalla, who noted her actions at the podium were "a spontaneous knee jerk reaction," and not "a planned effort" by the team.
AIBA opened a disciplinary case against Sarita within hours of the medal ceremony, and said it would announce a decision after the Asian Games close on Saturday.
Technical delegate David B Francis said the incident "looked like a well-planned scenario by her and her team," and wanted the Olympic Council of Asia to ensure it would not be repeated by others, to respect fair play and sportsmanship.
Sarita's unanimous points loss to a South Korean in the women's 60-kilogram semifinals caused her and India coaches to accuse the judges of a hometown decision.
Their official complaint was rejected.
After her tear-filled protest at the podium, Sarita said, "I'm ready to face any repercussions and to sacrifice my career if it can help other boxers, and improve the system" .
Sarita Devi who arrived at Delhi mid night yesterday is scheduled to fly home tomorrow by Indigo flight at 7 am.
Speaking to The Sangai Express, Sarita said she tendered her apology to the International Boxing Association (AIBA) for her emotional outburst and reaction in the aftermath of the semi-final loss at the Asian Games Boxing championship in Incheon.
"I don't want the entire Indian boxing team to be affected by my reaction and protest" she told The Sangai Express.
She said that if she does not retreat with her protest, the entire boxing team would be banned from the ring.
"We are a new body and so I do not want to spoil the careers of my colleagues", she confided.
Moreover AIBA had sent out a notification that no action would be taken against Sarita Devi in the aftermath of her apology.
Sarita said that all the cases registered against her have been withdrawn.
"At that moment ( at Incheon ) I had literally broken down.
After so much of hard work, I felt meaningless and I had decided that I would stop boxing", Sarita recalled.
But the overwhelming response , message of support from India and back home - Manipur-brought her to her feet again and she regained her confidence.
"I have decided that I will forget the Incheon incident and I will show my worth once again", said Sarita.
"I received so many solidarity and support, I realized that many people love me and that I had touched their hearts .
This makes me feel that I should not let them (my fans and supporters) down and that I must not end my career" .
Now, Sarita is looking forward to the Rio 2016 Olympics.