Sarita Devi set for emotional return to competitive boxing

Sarita Devi and the Indian team will not be donning India colours due to administrative conflict

Indian boxer Sarita Devi is all set to make her international comeback, after being named in the 13 member squad for an exposure trip to China. Her return marks the end of a one-year ban, she received for not receiving her bronze medal, during the 2014 Asian Games. The incident received widespread international media attention, with AIBA deeming her behaviour ‘uncacceptable’.

The 30-year old will be among 10 men and three women, who will also take part in a domestic competition, post their training stints. The 10-day camp will see boxers from China, Thailand, Korea and Mongolia, squaring off against each other in a bid to garner competitive experience, ahead of the Asian Olympic qualifiers in March, 2016. Sarita Devi said, “It is a moment of great joy for me that I am returning to what I love. My goal is now to qualify for the Rio Olympics.”

National team Coach Gurbux Singh Sandhu said, “The invites for all the boxers have come individually, it’s not that we have exactly selected these 13. The selection indicates that the boxing authorities have been tracking Sarita’s ban period and I am sure she is more than ready now. The event as a whole is an excellent opportunity for our boxers to prepare for the Olympic qualifiers. Training cum competition events always help you more than just competitions. This is a great opportunity that will help all boxers attain some valuable experience.”

Sarita has been training in Liverpool, in a bid to make her competitive comeback. She will be participating in the 60 kg category event, in an attempt to reach her peak. Apart from Sarita, Pinki Jangra will be participating in the 51 kg category. Pooja Rani will be carrying India’s hope in the 75 kg category.

The most notable inclusion among the Men’s team is world number two Shiva Thapa, who will be fighting in the 56 kg category.

However, Indian pugilists will not be allowed to compete under the tri-colour as Boxing India has lost its legitimacy. They will be donning AIBA colours, due to the current internal administrative conflict.

The Indian team consists of:

Men: L Devendro Singh (49kg), Gaurav Bidhuri (52kg), Shiva Thapa (56kg), Manish Kaushik (60kg), Thomas Maitei (64kg), Mandeep Jangra (69kg), Vikas Krishan (75kg), Kuldeep Singh (81kg), Amritpreet Singh (91kg) and Narender (+91kg).

Women: Pinki Jangra (51kg), L Sarita Devi (60kg), Pooja Rani (75kg).