Tendulkar, the only cricketer to have scored 100 international centuries, expressed concern for the future of the 29-year-old boxer following reports she faces a "severe punishment" from the International Boxing Association (AIBA) following her exploits at the Asian Games in Incheon.

"I would urge you to kindly look into this issue urgently and ensure that she is given competent support so that her career is not threatened and ends in a premature manner," he said in a letter to Sonowal, whose official title in Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

"As a fellow sportsperson, I can relate to the emotional turmoil which Devi must have undergone leading to the unfortunate outburst.

"Subsequently, she has regretted and deserves another chance to continue her pursuits."

Devi was upset after controversially losing her semi-final bout to South Korea's Park Ji-na in the women's lightweight division of the Asian Games and made her feelings known during a public protest on the medal podium.

The Commonwealth Games silver medallist later apologised following the incident.

But last month AIBA suspended her for an indefinite period, causing her to miss the Women's World Boxing Championships, currently ongoing in Jeju, South Korea.

Sarita Devi was suspended by AIBA after a public protest on the podium during the medal ceremony of the Asian Games ©Getty Images



"As you may be aware, she has already apologised for her unsportsmanlike behaviour," Tendulkar said

"As a country, we should make every effort to ensure that Devi is pardoned and allowed to pursue her boxing skills at the highest level.

"With limited knowledge on the ongoing process, I would sincerely request to consider forming a task force of senior officials from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), the Indian Boxing Federation backed with strong legal minds under your stewardship.

"The objective of this task force should be to deter any potential move by the governing body to cause irreversible harm to Devis's career by placing compelling arguments in her defence.

"This is critical as Devi belongs to a set of passionate sportspersons who have taken immense pride in representing the country and deserve all the support and backing from various stakeholders including Government of India.

"I am sure you will look into this matter and take due actions in a prompt manner."

But Tendulkar's call for support looks likely to fall on deaf ears after AIBA President C K Wu revealed to insidethegames last week that Indian officials will accept any punishment handed to Devi after her public protest.

IOA head N Ramachandran has also told insidethegames "the IOA can only make an appeal on behalf of an athlete and this has been done by the IOA".

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