Sarita Devi May be Punished for Returning Asian Games Medal

Indian boxer Sarita Devi could be either suspended or fined for refusing to accept her Asian Games bronze medal in Incheon on Wednesday. In a dramatic move, Sarita Devi broke down on the podium during the medal ceremony for the lightweight 57-60 kg category, refusing to wear the bronze medal awarded to her around her neck. She accepted the medal in her hand and wiped her tears holding it, before handing it to South Korean silver medalist Ji Na Park, who had defeated Sarita in a controversial bout on Tuesday. (Full Coverage | Medal Tally)

According to Amateur International Boxing Association rules, returning medal counts as serious indiscipline. Sarita's reaction caught many by surprise and this can even invite a ban from competition. A decision is expected at the AIBA Congress next month where Boxing India will represent the Sarita Devi case. (Sarita Devi Refuses to Wear Asian Games Bronze, Weeps on Podium)

Speaking to NDTV in Incheon, the chef-de-mission of the Indian contingent Adille Sumariwalla said: "AIBA will decide what the quantum of punishment will be for Sarita. It is a breach of rules, it is unsporting, so there may be some penalty."

A former international athlete, Sumariwalla hinted that Sarita decision to refuse the medal was pre-planned. "She had 24 hours and this was not an emotional decision to not accept medal," he said.(Bout Was Fixed: Sarita's Husband Cries Foul)

A bitter Sarita had slammed India's boxing officials, too. On Tuesday, she said she felt ignored because "she was from the North-east." On Wednesday, soon after the medal ceremony drama, Sarita said: "It has been 24 hours and not one official has come to speak with me and ask me if I am fine. They just come here to take photos with medallists and nothing else." Sumariwalla said this was not true.

The 32-year-old Sarita later said she would continue to compete as she wants to set an example for future boxers, but "this is not acceptable." Sarita lost on points against Park in a bout where she was the dominant boxer.

The judges's decision to award the semifinal clash to Park on points had left Sarita stunned. She stood in the middle of the ring in disbelief as the judges almost unanimously awarded the fight to the Korean. The Indian corner was angry and agitated even as Sarita's husband Thoiba Singh protested vociferously.

The final decision in the bout - with two judges ruling against Sarita - was booed by fans. India later lodged an official protest with the Amateur International Boxing Association's technical jury team. But the protest was rejected.

Sarita's husband, who got into a scuffle with security officials, accused the Koreans of "stealing" the medal. "It was fixed. The decision was uncivilized," Thoiba said. Sarita broke down and later said, "I kept my child away from me to train hard. When a player trains hard and something controversial like this happens, it is very sad."

Fellow boxer Mary Kom, who won a historic gold on Wednesday, supported Sarita. "Of course she (Park) won because she is Korean," she told NDTV.

Sarita had won a silver in the Commonwealth Games earlier this year.

(With inputs from Suprita Das)