Don't think Sarita was given a big penalty: Vijender

Olympic bronze medal-winning boxer Vijender Singh Thursday said the International Boxing Association (AIBA)'s decision to ban female pugilist l. Sarita Devi for a year was not a big penalty and the punishment will pass swiftly.

The 29-year-old Sarita was also fined 1,000 Swiss francs ($1020) for refusing to accept her 2014 Asian Games bronze medal Oct 1. "It is a good decision by AIBA. Initially, there was speculation that it will be a life ban. One year will pass very quickly. I heard she is injured so she will recover also," Vijender said here. "I don't think it's a big penalty. She is a good boxer... I respect her." Singh was here with the other three judges of "MTV Roadies X2" Esha Deol, Karan Kundra and Rannvijay Singh.

The poster boy of Indian boxing also batted for insurance schemes for sportspersons which could stand them in good stead in case of injuries."The governments should think about some insurance for injuries to sportspersons. There should be some sort of scheme. That is one of our demands," he said.