Indian Boxer Laisram Sarita Devi refused to take her Bronze medal at Asian Games as a mark of protest to unfair judging at semi-finals. She was declared as loser a day before in her match with Jina Parker despite being the better one in the ring. Sarita was clearly overwhelming Jina with at times four to one punches. But all three ringside Judges favored Jina. The protest lodged by Indian side by paying $500 was also rejected.
Who's who:
1. Laisram Sarita Devi (Indian)
2. Jina Parker (Korean)
3. Refree: Hammadi Yakoub Kheira (Algerian)
4. Ringside Judges: Braham Mohamad (Tunisia), Albino Foti (Italy) & Mariusz Josef Gorny (Poland)
Where: Asian Games 2014, Incheon, South Korea
Event: Boxing match light-weight category (57-60 Kg)
Similar maltreatment to other players:
1. Mongolian Bantam-weight boxer Tugstsogt Nyambayar lost against S Korean Ham Sang-Myeong in a similar fasion.
2. Devendro (Brother of L Sarita Devi) dominated S Korean Shin Jonghun in men's 49 Kg quarter finals but lost.
Indian Officials support to L Sarita Devi: A visibly distraught L Sarita Devi said "Not even one official came to us and consoled or even spoke to us." It is also said that the $500 required to protest against the decision was also collected by her from taking loans from her coach Lenin Meitei & an Indian journalist and no support was given to her.
What did she stand to lose? As she was declare a loser in semi-final, she lost a shot at winning Gold. And as a result of this win, her opponent in that match Jina Parker won silver.
While the entire Mongolian contingent stood behind Tugstsogt Nyambayar and decided to take International Boxing Association (IBA) head on, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) officials chose not to involve themselves in the issue. It is reported that the senior IOA officials, including Secretary General Rajeev Mehta & deputy chef de mission Kuldeep Vats, were present at the venue. But they showed a lack of awareness of basic rules regarding protest and left the venue soon after.
Meanwhile, AIBA (International Boxing Association) has initiated a probe against Sarita Devi for returning the medal calling the act as "regretful" and "well-planned"
What are we expecting as the event is over?
The dignified protest by L Sarita Devi has set a very good example. The emotional yet sensible response has brought the injustice out in open. She has herself said that "She has done this continue playing as with this in mind she would not be able to play in future."
With AIBA initiating a probe, it is important that the Indian Officials take a strong stand against the loss of gold medal and unfair treatment meted out to her. This is important not just for Sarita Devi but also to all the sportsperson who go out to make India proud and are treated unfairly. We are no super-power if we are unable to defend our people against unjust actions.
Who's who:
1. Laisram Sarita Devi (Indian)
2. Jina Parker (Korean)
3. Refree: Hammadi Yakoub Kheira (Algerian)
4. Ringside Judges: Braham Mohamad (Tunisia), Albino Foti (Italy) & Mariusz Josef Gorny (Poland)
Where: Asian Games 2014, Incheon, South Korea
Event: Boxing match light-weight category (57-60 Kg)
Similar maltreatment to other players:
1. Mongolian Bantam-weight boxer Tugstsogt Nyambayar lost against S Korean Ham Sang-Myeong in a similar fasion.
2. Devendro (Brother of L Sarita Devi) dominated S Korean Shin Jonghun in men's 49 Kg quarter finals but lost.
Indian Officials support to L Sarita Devi: A visibly distraught L Sarita Devi said "Not even one official came to us and consoled or even spoke to us." It is also said that the $500 required to protest against the decision was also collected by her from taking loans from her coach Lenin Meitei & an Indian journalist and no support was given to her.
What did she stand to lose? As she was declare a loser in semi-final, she lost a shot at winning Gold. And as a result of this win, her opponent in that match Jina Parker won silver.
While the entire Mongolian contingent stood behind Tugstsogt Nyambayar and decided to take International Boxing Association (IBA) head on, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) officials chose not to involve themselves in the issue. It is reported that the senior IOA officials, including Secretary General Rajeev Mehta & deputy chef de mission Kuldeep Vats, were present at the venue. But they showed a lack of awareness of basic rules regarding protest and left the venue soon after.
Meanwhile, AIBA (International Boxing Association) has initiated a probe against Sarita Devi for returning the medal calling the act as "regretful" and "well-planned"
What are we expecting as the event is over?
The dignified protest by L Sarita Devi has set a very good example. The emotional yet sensible response has brought the injustice out in open. She has herself said that "She has done this continue playing as with this in mind she would not be able to play in future."
With AIBA initiating a probe, it is important that the Indian Officials take a strong stand against the loss of gold medal and unfair treatment meted out to her. This is important not just for Sarita Devi but also to all the sportsperson who go out to make India proud and are treated unfairly. We are no super-power if we are unable to defend our people against unjust actions.
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