Sarita aiming for Rio

By our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI, Jan 3: Showing no sign of upset on her act in Incheon Asian Games L Sarita Devi on Saturday said, what happened in Incheon was past and she would utilize the one year ban period by taking corrective measures in her technique so that the boxer could be ready for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

The boxer has been banned till October 1, 2015. However Sarita is eligible to compete in the 2016 Olympic qualifiers.

Sarita, the Manipuri boxer who made a surprise visit in the city today to meet sports minister Sarbanda Sonowal, talking to the media person in the side line of a function said, “I will use the year by working hard to rectify my problem areas before the next Olympic.”

Sarita was handed a one–year ban by the Intertiol Boxing Association (AIBA) for refusing to accept her bronze medal at the Asian Games in Incheon after losing the controversial semi–fil bout against South Korean opponent Ji Park. When asked whether now she had any regret on her behavior in Incheon the boxer said, " I did what I felt right that time."

Sarita also said she wouldn’t have been able to motivate herself if she didn’t get constant support from Union Sports Minister Sarbanda Sonowal. "Sarbanda sir is very supportive and has been constantly encouraging me. His support lifted my morale," said Sarita.

It may be mentioned here that Sonowal had written a letter to the AIBA to revoke her suspension considering her earlier track–record. Even cricket legend and Rajya Sabha MP Sachin Tendulkar had also batted for revoking of Sarita’s suspension.