India Boxing Federation exposed;
Sarita to return Arjuna Award
- Press Release from L Sarita Devi -

September 23, 2010

L Sarita Devi

It is indeed very shocking to inform you that few corrupt officials for their selfish interest had rendered the Indian Boxing Federation into a matter of controversy. This is an ugly trend that must be addressed adequately at the earliest so as to prevent the sports loving persons and players from becoming disillusionment about the Indian sports.

In fact, despite my wholehearted dedication and contribution to the Indian boxing, bypassing my good performance and professionalism in this profession, injustice has been done to me by the selfish clique in the Indian Boxing Federation whose ambition is to tarnish the image of the Federation. This is being evident in the repeated trial processes where they have conspired against me.

The selection trial for the Indian women boxing team to take part in the upcoming Asian Games in China was held at Bhopal for two days on 20 and 21 August, 2010. Accordingly the selection committee had announced the selected names in which I was included in the 51kg category for my good performance with two other women players in the 60 and 75 kg categories. It was published in the newspaper Hindustan (Hindi) on 10 September 2010.

But unfortunately the Indian Boxing Federation tried to keep the matter as confidential and delayed a widespread announcement. Surprisingly the Federation decided to hold the trial again without giving any specific reason. The retrial was fixed for 22nd September 2010. Accordingly I took part in the trial that was held yesterday at the Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi. Media persons and friend and supporters were restricted from watching the trial. Despite my good performance in the trial my name has been omitted deliberately – by the Indian boxing federation. This is an injustice.
I would like to inform to you all that the Indian Boxing Federation may not be converted into a den of conspirators and corruption by few selfish officials. I, therefore demanded that;

• I should be allowed for a retrial in front of the media within a week from now.
• The Indian Boxing Federation general secretary Col. Murlidharan Raja must apologize for indulging in favoritism in the selection process which is against the ethics of sportsmanship. He must resign on moral and disciplinary ground.
• The Sports Minister of India must intervene into the matter immediately and solve the issue.