South Asian Games: I'm really glad to return to the ring in my Northeast region, says Sarita Devi

New Delhi: Indian ace boxer L Sarita Devi whose one-year ban has ended is glad to return back to the action in the 12th South Asian Games held in Guwahati and Shillong.

Sarita, had served a one-year ban for her infamous emotional outburst after a controversial semifinal loss in the 2014 Asian Games.

She stated that it's a new start for her and that she is confident.

"I'm full of confidence now, it's a new start for me and I'm really glad to return to the ring in my Northeast region," the former Asian champion said.

The boxer is excited to be in the ring especially in her own nation and is targeting a berth for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

"I'm lucky to have got overwhelming support from all over India. It's time to pay back and my only aim now is to qualify for the Olympics and earn an Olympic medal for India," she said.

Sarita acknowledged the support she recieved from well wishers including Sachin Tendulkar.

Asked whether she's nervous, "You can say yes as this will be my first competition but I'm determined to start again on a winning note. I've millions of supporters from across the country including Sachin Tendulkar."

Earlier, Sarita was handed a one-year ban by the International Boxing Association (AIBA) for refusing to accept her bronze medal at the Asian Games after losing a controversial semifinal bout to South Korean Park Ji-Na.  

(With PTI inputs)