Sarita Devi got off lightly, says Vijender
19 Dec 2014 1:43 AM GMT
Olympic bronze medal-winning boxer Vijender Singh (in pic) on Thursday said the International Boxing Association (AIBA)’s decision to ban female pugilist L Sarita Devi for a year was not a big penalty and the punishment will pass swiftly.
The 29-year-old Sarita was also fined 1,000 Swiss francs ($1020) for refusing to accept her 2014 Asian Games bronze medal on October 1. “It is a good decision by AIBA. Initially, there was speculation that it will be a life ban. One year will pass very quickly. I heard she is injured so she will recover also. I don't think it's a big penalty. She is a good boxer... I respect her,” Vijender said on the sidelines of a promotional event on Thursday.
The poster boy of Indian boxing also batted for insurance schemes for sportspersons which could stand them in good stead in case of injuries.
“The governments should think about some insurance for injuries to sportspersons. There should be some sort of scheme. That is one of our demands,” he said.
The 29-year-old Sarita was also fined 1,000 Swiss francs ($1020) for refusing to accept her 2014 Asian Games bronze medal on October 1. “It is a good decision by AIBA. Initially, there was speculation that it will be a life ban. One year will pass very quickly. I heard she is injured so she will recover also. I don't think it's a big penalty. She is a good boxer... I respect her,” Vijender said on the sidelines of a promotional event on Thursday.
The poster boy of Indian boxing also batted for insurance schemes for sportspersons which could stand them in good stead in case of injuries.
“The governments should think about some insurance for injuries to sportspersons. There should be some sort of scheme. That is one of our demands,” he said.
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