L. Sarita Devi clinched a gold at the South Asian Games that concluded in Guwahati on Tuesday.
L. Sarita Devi clinched a gold at the South Asian Games that concluded in Guwahati on Tuesday.
Excited at competing on home turf for the first time since her ban ended, boxer L. Sarita Devi made a strong return, winning gold at the 12th South Asian Games in Guwahati on Tuesday.
Sarita, who was banned for a year following the infamous 2014 Incheon Asian Games meltdown, faced a stiff challenge from Sri Lanka’s M. Vidushika Prabadhi before prevailing 39-36.
Boxin on home turf for the first time since her ban ended, Sarita (60kg) said the South Asian Games were nothing short of a “new start” for her.
“I am confident now, it’s a new start for me and I am happy to return to the ring in my Northeast region,” the former Asian champion was quoted as saying.
“I am lucky to have got overwhelming support from all over India.
“Now my aim is to qualify for the Rio Games and earn an Olympic medal,” the 2014 Commonwealth Games silver medallist said.
On whether she was nervous, Sarita said, “You can say yes as this was my first competition but I am happy to start again on a winning note. I have millions of supporters from across the country including Sachin Tendulkar.”
Sarita said she was feeling good after surgery to her right wrist in November last year.
Sarita was handed a one-year ban by the international body for refusing to accept her bronze medal at the Incheon Games after losing a controversial semi-final bout to South Korea’s Park Ji-Na.
