Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Sports and Youth Affairs Sarbananda Sonowal on Wednesday said that he hopes that the international boxing federation (AIBA) reviews its charges against pugilist Sarita Devi and clears her of all charges, adding that she is one of the great sportspersons of the country.
"Sarita Devi is one of the great sportspersons of our country and we hope that the international boxing forum AIBA reviews its judgement against her. She has given a letter of apology to the organisation. We hope that Sarita Devi is cleared of her charges and she is allowed to compete again. We are with her in this struggle," Sonowal told ANI.
"I have told Sports Authority of India (SAI) Director General (DG) Jiji Thomson to take up the batter with the Indian Boxing Federation (IBF)," he added.
The AIBA suspended Sarita Devi and her coaches indefinitely because of her protest at the 2014 Asian Games. An emotional Sarita Devi had refused to accept the bronze medal at the podium during the award ceremony in protest at a controversial verdict handed out against her.
According to reports, the AIBA is also contemplating a life-ban for Sarita Devi and her coaches.
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