Boxing India to issue show cause notice to Sarita's husband, coach

Under pressure from AIBA, Boxing India (BI) said it has decided to issue a show cause notice to boxer Sarita Devi's husband and personal coach for their unauthorised presence at the ringside during the Incheon Asian Games.

Sarita faces the prospect of a life ban from AIBA, the sport's apex body, even though BI is trying to reduce the enormity of the punishment against the boxer for refusing to accept the Asian Games bronze medal owing to a controversial semifinal loss.

BI president Sandeep Jajodia said efforts are on to help Sarita avoid a "severe" punishment like a life ban.

"During the recent national congress of AIBA, we explained to them the circumstances in which it may have happened, Sarita's outburst in the podium etc. We have already told them that we are contemplating to take action against Sarita's personal coach and husband. They were not accredited people and had no business to be in the field of play," Jajodia told Times Now.

"We are in the process of issuing a show cause notice to the coach and husband and we will be informing AIBA about all this. We are hoping that AIBA listens to our plea to be lenient to Sarita and not go ahead with something like as severe as a life ban, which will spoil her career," he added.

Provisionally suspended by AIBA, the Indian boxing body is trying to help Sarita in every possible way it can.

"Efforts are on to get as much respite for Sarita as we can," Jajodia said.

Meanwhile, the boxer's husband Thoiba Singh said he was in Incheon merely as a spectator.

"I have not received the notice. We are hoping for a positive response from AIBA. I was there as a spectator, not just for my wife, but to support the Indian boxing contingent," Thoiba said.

Image: Sarita Devi is consoled by her husband Thoiba Singh

Photograph: PTI