Life has never been too kind to L Sarita Devi. There were impediments she had to surmount in her career spanning more than a decade. She endured every challenge life has thrown at her. On a balmy Saturday evening when Express caught up with her in an apartment in Bengaluru, Sarita looks relaxed and assured. There is no trace of frivolities and her words are solemn and sincere. There’s a twinkle in her eyes that was missing after the Incheon Asian Games fiasco.
Dressed in an orange suit, her lithe frame belies her profession. No trace of extra weight, she still carries herself with aplomb. Son in arms, she walks into the apartment and greets everyone genially. “I cannot stay away from training,” she says with her trademark giggle.
Sarita, a DSP with Manipur Police, has chosen to live a quiet life and train for the battle after ban. “I don’t want to divert from training. It was a difficult phase (after Incheon) and I have left those memories behind.”
If the Incheon drama was not enough, the injury Sarita sustained during the Glasgow Games almost threatened to ruin her career. She was forced to undergo a surgery on her right wrist but with the help of Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ), she is undergoing rehabilitation.
Sarita has been living there with her son since April. “I did not want to stay away from my son. Now at least he knows that I am his mother.” Time has been her greatest healer and life has taught her lessons she will never forget. She has kept her phone number private and wants to try and shun publicity. “After all the commotion last year, I prefer to stay away and train quietly,” says Sarita. “Oh, yes I have the medal at home. It’s very important after what happened!”
In a freewheeling interview, she bares it all.
On post Asian Games pressure
Initially, it was tough. I was mentally drained. But with time things are looking brighter. I have had support from all quarters. With that in mind, I’m eager to make a strong comeback. I think it is a must for me to perform well now. The entire nation has been behind me. Sachin (Tendulkar) fought for me. The Sports Minister was equally helpful. Now, I’ll have to forget all my woes in recent times and concentrate on my task ahead.
Coping with ban
After Asian Games, I had no knowledge of my status. I didn’t know whether I would be banned or not. I just went home and met my son. It was good in a way as I don’t get to spend time with him because of busy schedule. Being with him, I forgot all my issues and slowly got back to my feet. Bad times won’t last long, I’m just looking to improve every day and fulfill my Olympic dream.
On fighting own battles
I have always tried to keep my family away from personal issues. I have always fought my own battles because I don’t want to put them under stress. Even during school days, I sometimes used to have physical fights with the boys in Imphal or my village but I would never tell those to my family. They would eventually come to know through neighbours or friends. This time they got to see my Asian Games issue on TV. I had to make both my mother and mother-in-law sit together and make them understand. They are ageing and were understandably emotional. I told them this is just a game and assured them I would concentrate on my trials ahead and requested them not to worry anymore. Even my son cried when he saw my pictures in magazines and newspapers.
On beating idleness
Even during off season, I do some light exercises. I go for a jog and train by myself at least once a day. Sitting idle at home can be really dull. With some training I can freshen up my mind. I also go to the boxing academy and help youngsters sharpen their skills.
On fitness and training
I had to undergo surgery (right hand). The Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ) sent me to Bengaluru for fitness and training. After coming here, I have gained a lot of confidence. The trainer (Deckline Leitao) is like a friend. Since the first time I met him, I have been really comfortable with him. I can disclose all the small issues. In my career, this is the first time I have a physical trainer (Delhila Laishram). She has also helped me gain a lot of confidence. In the last 15 years, we have put our head down and improved our boxing skills but we have lacked knowledge of recovery and core training. The physios know what muscles to work on. Working with a trainer has helped me improve my knowledge on fitness. Bengaluru has been a real eye-opener.
On boxing academy
There are 50 to 60 youngsters in the academy. I started the academy when I was pregnant. So I was out of the game for some time. I couldn’t qualify for the 2012 Olympics and was feeling a little low. My husband (Thoiba Singh) and myself had always thought of starting an academy someday. So when I was pregnant, I started training kids in my village (Mayang, Imphal) and the response was overwhelming. The OGQ gave me `10 lakh. I’ve bought land and hope to build an indoor hall. It is not yet finalised, but I’ve sent a proposal to the Northeast Council (NEC). I have a coach there and I pay him out of my pocket.
On Rio qualifiers
Last time it was tough. I had to shift to a higher category on short notice. I was 85kg after pregnancy. I had to shed weight to 60kg in two months. I did it only through training. But I did not have experience in 60kg. This time, we head in with more experience and at least three boxers can qualify.
Quitting and after
Maybe I will try my hand at professional boxing. I have been doing quite well in amateur boxing and I feel I should try my hand in a new format. Then I will concentrate on my project — running the academy full time. I will go back to my village.
What if someone offers you to train in a city?
I am a village girl and I will go back. I want to motivate kids in the village. I know how much one has to struggle to become a boxer in a village. I know that and I want to ease their transition. I don’t want them to go through what I had.
(With inputs from Anmol Gurung)
