Sarita Devi Is Running For First-Ever AIBA Athletes’ Commission

Former world and Asian champion, L Sarita Devi, has been finalised as a candidate for the International Boxing Association’s (AIBA) athletes’ commission. First of its kind, the members of the commission were chosen after voting during the World Championships for men and women in September-October, TOI reported.

Sarita, 37, is an eight-time Asian Championships medallist – five of them gold. She is currently an athlete’s representative in the executive committee of the Boxing Federation of India, which nominated her for the position in the world body as well. “Obviously I am very proud of being nominated but I also understand that if I am elected, it would be a huge responsibility,” the Manipuri veteran in the lightweight (60kg) category told PTI.

She is in competition to feature in the panel that will elect one male and a female boxer from each of the five regional confederations (Asia, Oceania, Europe, Americas, and Europe).

“I am still an active athlete and have no plans of giving up anytime soon. I understand that it would be a challenge to manage my time for the multiple roles but I will try to do my best if I make it,” Sarita said.

“I am still an active athlete and have no plans of giving up anytime soon. I understand that it would be a challenge to manage my time for the multiple roles but I will try to do my best if I make it,” Sarita said.

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“Having served in the BFI executive body, I have some experience of raising athletes’ issues,” she added.

The voting process by boxers will take place during the men’s world championship in Yekaterinburg, Russia from September 7 to 9 and the women’s world championship in Ulan-Ude, also in Russia, from September 29 to October 2.

This Indian has made the country proud in various platforms, including the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games when she won silver. If Sarita makes it to the final panel, her focus will be to generate a buzz around issues related to women’s boxing. “The well-being of women boxers is a primary concern for me and I will try and be their active voice in AIBA,” she said.

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Feature Image Credit: NDTV Sports

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