Boxing India (BI) president Sandeep Jajodia on Tuesday clarified the situation in Sarita Devi’s case by stating they’ve served show cause notices to her husband (Thoiba Singh) and coach (lenin Meitei) for their unauthorised presence at ringside during the Incheon Asian Games. He also added that they’ve not yet replied to the notice which expires in 10-12 days.
Sarita was provisionally suspended by world body AIBA for her conduct during the Incheon Games where she refused to accept her bronze medal in the semi-final bout.
The association officials met with AIBA disciplinary committee during the World Congress in Jeju and explained the unusual circumstances that dictated Sarita’s case. There was no official body at the time with Indian Boxing Federation being suspended in March.
BI expects Sarita to be punished but their intention now is to soften the blow and hope she can compete for the Olympic qualifiers in 2016. There is no set timeline for the judgement which is headed by four senior officials of the AIBA.
Sarita, who is currently out with a wrist injury, refused to say much on the notice served to her husband. “I can’t comment on the notices. BI are doing it for me and putting in hard work for me. I’m just planning, wishing and focusing on my sport and on getting back,” said the calm boxer.
Sarita has found support from multiple avenues with Sachin Tendulkar and Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal leading the charge. Sonowal had written in to AIBA asking for a sympathetic view of Sarita’s case keeping in mind the effect it may have on junior boxers who look up to her.
Silver medallist at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Sarita admitted she would have probably reacted differently had she been under better guidance. I had nobody by my side at that moment.
“I’ve won numerous medals for the country and I have been boxing for 14 years now. I was already a five-time Asian Champion and I was looking forward to making it six and then I was making a comeback after becoming a mother. This played on my mind and I got very emotional and the controversy happened. I had no one to guide me so my emotions got the better of me,” she said talking about the moment of the whole controversy.
Jajodia refuted reports that AIBA are looking to make an example out of Sarita’s case in order to prevent such incidents in the future. “We have to respect the rules. If they’re broken, action will be taken. We have to aim to limit the blow so it doesn’t affect her,” he said.