New Delhi: The International Boxing Association is threatening strict action against L Sarita Devi despite her unconditional apology for refusing to accept her medal at the Asian Games but the veteran boxer today said she remains hopeful of her suspension being revoked.
That apology seems to have made no difference to the world body, whose President Ching-Kuo Wu today said that AIBA is set to act tough on her when its disciplinary committee meets tomorrow in Jeju Islands, Korea to decide the quantum of punishment for her emotionally-charged protest at the Asian Games.
Sarita has already missed out on the World Championships, scheduled from November 14 in Jeju Islands, Korea, after being provisionally suspended for refusing to accept her bronze medal at the Asian Games following a controversial semifinal loss.
“I am still hopeful that the ban on me would be lifted and I would be allowed to return to the ring and compete in a sport that I love so much,” Sarita, a former Asian and world champion, told PTI.
“I have tendered an unconditional apology. I have come to know about what the AIBA President has said, I respect his opinion but I am hoping that the ban would be lifted after my heartfelt apology. I have already pleaded my case and I continue to do so,” she added.
Dr Wu today stated that her career is as good as over and she would be heavily punished for a teary protest at the medal ceremony in Incheon where she tried to hand over her bronze medal to eventual silver-medallist and her semifinal opponent Park Ji-na.
“She will be heavily punished, there will be zero tolerance,” Wu told the Associated Press when asked about the 29-year-old's future.
“If you accept being the winner, you have to accept being the loser. If everyone behaved like that, what type of competition will we have?”, he said.
The four-member disciplinary committee—comprising members from Switzerland, USA, Spain and England—is expected to submit its report on Sarita during the two-day AIBA congress starting tomorrow.
Boxing India had been hoping that an apology would ensure a light punishment for the boxer even though BI President Sandeep Jajodia did admit that her behaviour was “disrespectful towards the code of conduct for athletes”.
Even the IOA has offered full assistance to the boxer with several top official backing her case.
“Everybody, from the Sports Ministry to the IOA, has worked so hard for me. I am hoping that it will eventually help my case and AIBA would be kind enough to accept my apology,” said Sarita.
