Former boxing champion Sarita Devi revisits Guwahati, shares 2008 victory memories

Guwahati, Feb 13: One of India’s pioneering boxing champions, L Sarita Devi, says returning to Guwahati always brings back fond memories that defined her career.

The former world champion from Manipur was in the city recently to participate in the Sundays on Cycle programme, an initiative under the Fit India movement.

“Guwahati has always been special to me. I have some fond memories. So, coming back to Guwahati is so special,” Sarita told The Assam Tribune.

Recalling her gold medal win in the 52kg super flyweight category at the 2008 Asian Women's Amateur Boxing Championships held in the city, she described a challenging lead up to the final bout.

“I was down with a stomachache and gastric issues ahead of my final against China. I was suffering from pain from the night before until the morning of the final. Doctors had already administered two injections, but I didn’t get any relief,” she said.

Despite the physical struggle, Sarita refused to back down. “My bout was scheduled at 3pm and I was sitting in a corner of the stadium upset. Then a doctor came and offered me a small tablet. I took it and got inside the ring. I forgot everything and I fought and won the bout. I was the champion.”

She defeated China's Ren Cancan in the final to win gold.

Sarita rose from helping on her family’s fields to international stardom, inspired by Muhammad Ali. She debuted internationally with a silver at the 2001 Asian Women's Boxing Championships in Bangkok and reached the pinnacle of the sport by becoming a world champion at the 2006 AIBA Women's World Championships in New Delhi.

Over her career, she secured five Asian Championship medals, including golds in 2003, 2005, 2008, 2010, and 2012.

Currently running the Sarita Regional Boxing Academy in Manipur, the boxer is now expanding her efforts to support young girls in football. Along with her husband, Thoiba Singh, she has started a football academy to provide grassroots support.

“We have now included grassroots women’s football in my academy. We have started to take kids for the football academy. We have a lot of talent, but they need grassroots support,” Sarita said.

She noted that a lack of facilities often hinders girls interested in the sport, prompting her and her husband, a football enthusiast, to create a space to shape their future.

Reflecting on her journey, which includes a silver at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and bronze at the 2014 Asian Games, Sarita spoke about the importance of resilience.

“Life is full of ups and downs. It’s not that we will always be the winners, that shouldn’t be in our mind. Even if we lose, it’s alright. I always take a lesson from a kid who just learns to walk, it falls down and rises again to continue trying,” she said.

She urged young athletes to avoid seeking instant results and to remain patient and humble. “Success should not get inside your brain. You have to be humble and focus on your next goal.”

Regarding the cycling initiative in Guwahati, Sarita praised the government’s efforts to encourage fitness. “It’s a great initiative. This is the time we should inculcate the habit of cycling in our daily life, for fitness and to reduce pollution,” she added.