Sarita's first acquaintance with fitness happened when she ran uphill to help her parents in farming. Sarita, the Asian Games bronze medalist in 60-kg category who is serving a one-year ban imposed by International Boxing Association (AIBA) for refusing to accept the medal, does not want to talk about the Incheon Asiad controversy and is keeping herself pumped up for the 2016 Rio Olympics by sweating it out in the gym.
Speaking exclusively to TOI, the 31-year-old feisty boxer talked about her hardships, injury and her support system.
How did you get into boxing?
Boxing happened by chance. My father introduced me to Taekwando as a 12-year-old but I hated it as I had to wake up at 3 am and walk nine kms for every practice session. I gave it up after a month. For two years, I took part in all the sports activities at my school. In 1997, my father passed away. To fulfil my father's dream of becoming a successful sportsperson, I went back to serious sports and this time chose kick-boxing. I loved the sport but realized that I needed strength in my hands for punching. I went to a boxing coach to improve my punching and ended up loving the sport. By December 1999, I was fully into boxing and the rest, as they say, is history.
Talk about the struggle you faced during your formative years.
Growing up in Manipur, I had to struggle all through. Right from working in paddy fields to walking for kilometers to reach my practice venue to travelling unreserved for days in the train to reach Delhi, I have seen it all and it has made me more determined.
How was the experience at your maiden CWG and Asian Games?
Unfortunately, I injured my right wrist nine days before the CWG and after consultation with doctors, I was advised a surgery and rest. But, I was debuting in these two important meets and didn't want to miss out hence went ahead taking pain killers and physiotherapy. I am glad I took part and won medals for my country.
Who has been your support system?
Initially, it was my father and my family who rallied behind me. After my marriage in 2008, it has been my husband Thoiba Singh, a national-level footballer.
Role of Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ) in your career?
OGQ started supporting me in July 2014 which brought in drastic changes in my career. They gave it a professional touch, brought in scientific aspects in my diet, fitness and training. They look after the smallest of my needs, allowing me to focus on my game. Most importantly, they took great care of me when I got injured just before the Commonwealth Games and it was their excellent medical support that enabled me to compete at the CWG and Asian Games 2014. Without their support, it would be very difficult for me to get back to full fitness.
Talk about your preparation for the Rio Games.
Currently, I am recuperating from the wrist surgery I had after the Asian Games. While I can't box right now, I am utilizing the time to transform my body. I want to qualify for the Olympic Games, which will be my first Olympics and I want to be 100 percent fit to give it my all.
Have you thought about your future?
Right now my focus is on qualifying for Rio 2016. I am feeling fighting fit right now. I think I can continue boxing even beyond 2016.
Will we see you as a full-time coach to your son someday?
(Chuckles) My son is not even two. Though he has very fast hands, I don't know what the future holds for him.
Quote boxes:
Viren Rasquinha, CEO, OGQ
Sarita was participating at the Commonwealth (CWG) and Asian Games for the first time. Despite her wrist injury which she suffered a few days before the CWG, she was determined to fight. OGQ was determined to give her the best possible medical and physiotherapy support to make that happen. She did not let us down. Sarita has so much fire and desire that she can run through a wall for you.
Deckline Leitao, sports performance specialist
"I wanted to use her rehabilitation to transform her body. I want to make her like a Ferrari car—fast and powerful. We are working on her leg and hand strength, footwork, speed and stamina so that her weaknesses become her strengths in the coming months.
Sarita's international golds in five different weight categories
51 kg: Asian Championship, 2010 Kazakastan 52 kg: World Championship, 2006 Delhi 54 kg: Asian Championship, 2008 Guwahati 57 kg: World Police Games 2009, Vancouver, Canada 60 kg: Asian Championship, 2012 Mongolia.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/followceleb.cms?alias=Viren Rasquinha,Thoiba Singh,Sarita Devi,Laishram Sarita Devi,Boxer
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