Boxing India President requests AIBA to be lenient with Sarita Devi

Boxing India President Sandeep Jajodia on Wednesday said that he had requested the International Boxing Association (AIBA) to be lenient with suspended pugilist Sarita Devi.

"What happened is very sad and unfortunate. It's not that she did not commit a mistake but she got carried away with emotions, and she has already apologized. We have appealed the AIBA to take a soft stand towards her. I hope she'd be able to participate in Olympics," said Jajodia.

Earlier today, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Sports and Youth Affairs Sarbananda Sonowal had said that he would request the AIBA to be lenient on Sarita Devi.

Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar also voiced his support for the pugilist.

Earlier, the AIBA had suspended Sarita Devi and her coaches indefinitely because of her protest at the 2014 Asian Games. Sarita Devi had refused to accept the bronze medal at the podium during the award ceremony in protest against a controversial verdict handed out against her.