Boxer Sarita Devi to take call on retirement after Tokyo Olympics

Former world champion boxer Sarita Devi said on Friday she will take a call on her retirement after next Year's Olympic Games, where she hopes to make a last-ditch effort to win an elusive medal.

The 37-year-old Sarita has three World Championships medal -- a gold in 2006 and a bronze each in 2005 and 2008. She has also won five Asian Championships gold and a bronze and a silver in the Asian Games (2014 Incheon) and Commonwealth Games (2014 Glasgow) respectively.

But an Olympic medal has remained elusive for the lightweight (60kg category) boxer from Manipur and she is desperate to win that in Tokyo before drawing curtains on her career.

"I am still continuing boxing for only one reason -- Olympic medal. I have won medals in all competitions that I had participated. Only an Olympic medal is missing in my cupboard and I am desperate to get that in Tokyo," Sarita told PTI.

Asked about her retirement plans, she said: "I can't tell anything now. I will take a decision on my career after the Tokyo Olympics."
"I am 37 now and mother of a kid. Even some people have said that I have grown old and cannot do it again. But I am proud that I forced my way into the team after beating everyone. It's a big challenge for me."
"The federation has given us full support. The Sports Ministry, SAI also has been supporting us. India boxing is slowly returning to the peak again."