IOA to discuss Sarita Devi ban with Ministry officials on Oct 28

Rattled by the International Boxing Association’s decision to provisionally suspend boxer L Sarita Devi for her protest at the Asian Games, the IOA will hold a meeting with Sports Ministry officials on October 28 to discuss the way forward. IOA president N Ramachandran said the meeting will be held in Delhi on October 28. [caption id=“attachment_1771113” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Sarita Devi, Sports, SportsTracker, Boxing, Asian Games 2014. Reuters[/caption] AIBA, in a sweeping move, decided to suspend Sarita, her coaches – Gurbaksh Singh Sandhu, Blas Iglesias Fernandes and Sagar Mal Dhayal – and the Indian chef-de-mission to the Asian Games Adille Sumariwala. The suspension bars them from participating at all levels of AIBA competitions and meetings until further notice. As a result, Sarita will not be able to compete in the World Championships scheduled to be held next month in South Korea. Sarita is facing disciplinary action for refusing to accept her bronze medal at the Asian Games after losing a controversial semifinal bout. IOA vice-President Tarlochan Singh said all efforts would be made to help Sarita. “This is an emotional case and we should all plead for her. The international body (AIBA) has its own rules but we will try to help her. Although Boxing India is not yet affiliated to us but we don’t go by ego. We are very keen to help,” he said. PTI