IMPHAL, October 4: Ace pugilist Laishram Sarita who won a bronze in the Incheon Asian Games was received warmly today at the Imphal International Airport.
Sarita Devi who was travelling from New Delhi in an Indigo flight reached Imphal at 11:15am.
She was received by her family including her infant son Ch Tomthin, coaches from Manipur Boxing Association, Youth Affairs and Sports officials along with people of the State prominently from her locality Mayang Imphal.
Jina Park has shown that she is a real boxer by speaking out on the issue, Sarita said of her Korean opponent who had reportedly stated that she was embarrassed with the judges`™ decision and that Sarita was the real winner.
Sarita was denied a sliver and then a possible gold medal bout in the games, after judges declared her defeated despite dominating her semi-final bout against her South Korean opponent.
Speaking to media persons who were waiting at the airport on getting news of her return, a teary-eyed Sarita said she tendered her apology to the authorities after not accepting the bronze medal considering that consequences of her action could affect other boxers of the country.
These boxers have been practicing for the past more than two years for the games as well as for the Olympics ahead, and she couldn`™t just jeopardise their chances, she said.
On being asked, if she will make any appeal if she is banned or suspended for her actions, she replied in the negative and said she will just follow the orders of the authorities.
Sarita was however, indignant with the manner in which the Indian contingent officials had acted during the entire episode.
The officials didn`™t try to motivate her even once which was very much heart-breaking, she said and added they never said a single consoling word to encourage her to get through the episode.
On the other hand, Sarita thanked the media persons of the country for supporting her in her time of need and for helping her make her appeal by giving her money.
She also thanked the people for their support and encouraging words.
Later members of the Royal Riders Manipur flanked Sarita and her entourage on her way to her house at Mayang Imphal.
It may be mentioned that during the medal presentation ceremony for the lightweight 60 kg women`™s boxing, Sarita had refused to wear the bronze medal and instead gave it to Jina Park of Korea who won silver.
She later apologised for her action.