17th Asian Games: Sarita Devi faces AIBA probe for returning medal

International Boxing Association (AIBA) on Wednesday opened disciplinary action against Indian boxer Sarita Devi after she showed her dissent during the medal ceremony.

New Delhi: International Boxing Association (AIBA) on Wednesday opened disciplinary action against Indian boxer Sarita Devi after she showed her dissent during the medal ceremony.

For the way she reacted, Sarita might face a lengthy international ban if found guilty by AIBA. The boxing association also passed a statement saying, “Sarita could face lengthy international ban for refusing to accept medal.”

"AIBA has already proceeded its Disciplinary Action Process to review this case, and the decision will be made immediately after the Asian Games," added AIBA.

AIBA also informed that its supervisor and Technical Delegate David B Francis has submitted a report to the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) concerning the case.

However, Francis wrote in his report that: "The whole incident looked like a well planned scenario by her and her team, and it is regretful to watch a boxer refuse the medal regardless of what happened in the competition."

"In this regard, as the Technical Delegate, I had to request OCA to review this incident, so any boxer or athlete in other sports will not follow in her footsteps by respecting the spirit of fair-play and sportsmanship of the Olympic Movement," added Francis.

However, talking to a English news channel, an emotional Sarita said, “I didn't want to take that medal to India as it wasn't mine which is why I gave it to the Korean boxer.”

“I did whatever I could do for my country and I have no regrets,” the boxer added.

A huge controversy erupted at the Asian Games 2014 on Tuesday when ace Indian boxer Sarita Devi, had to settle for a bronze medal despite dominating her semifinal bout against local favourite Jina Park in the 60kg category.

The 32-year-old boxer from Manipur dominated majority of the bout. The judges, however, thought otherwise and declared the Korean as the winner.

The decision, which drew huge criticism, left Sarita in a state of shock and she was seen weeping inconsolably. Sarita's husband Thoiba Singh was heard screaming at the officials and also got into a scuffle with security officials.

Sarita borrowed $500 and lodged an official complaint against the result. It didn't work out in her favour, as according to the rules a player cannot challenge the result of the judges.

On Wednesday, Sarita once again broke down during the medal ceremony. She sent the crowd and the officials in a state of shock when she refused to accept the bronze medal. She however accepted the flowers which were offered to her by the officials.

The story didn't end there. Sarita went to local Jina and gave her bronze medal to her. The Korean too was in a state of shock and she later on offered her silver medal to Sarita who refused to take it.

With Agency inputs