Devi was handed a provisional suspension after her protest at the Asian Games last month, where she refused to accept her bronze medal.

In a meeting with the Sports Minister, Tendulkar said the country should back Sarita in her quest to overturn the provisional ban from the International Boxing Association (AIBA) and the possible lifetime ban that could be heading her way.

"This meeting was to discuss Sarita Devi's case," said Tendulkar, the greatest batsman in history and the only player to have scored one hundred international centuries.

"Being a sportsperson I know what she must have gone through.

"It must have been a difficult moment for her.

"Everyone responds differently to situations.

"AIBA should consider her case.

"She has apologised to the world body also.

"Our discussion was how to move forward and what to say to AIBA."

The meeting was attended by the Presidents of Boxing India President and Indian Olympic Association Sandeep Jajodia and N Ramachandran, despite both having already promised AIBA head C K Wu that they will accept whatever punishment is handed down to Devi.

The meeting in the Indian capital was chaired by Sonowal and also attended by Olympic bronze medallists M C Mary Kom and Vijender Singh and national boxing coach G S Sandhu.

The Indian Sports Minister chaired the meeting in New Delhi which was used to discuss the case of Sarita Devi, who is provisionally suspended by the AIBA ©Facebook


Devi was upset after controversially losing her semi-final bout in Incheon 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.

"We want the entire country to be behind Sarita Devi, so that her career doesn't get jeopardised," said Tendulkar, who is also a Rajya Sabha MP.

"Boxing India, Sports Ministry have shown a lot of support.

"We just want to move forward in the right direction."

Tendulkar had written to the Sports Minister last week to urge the Government to support Devi and ensure that her career was not terminated prematurely.

Following the meeting, Sonowal has come out in support of Devi and promised full Governmental support to her.

"On behalf of the Government of India, we will take up the matter with AIBA," he said.

"We will request them to reconsider her case.

"India will always be grateful to Sarita for what she has done for the country and she has our full backing."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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