Sarita Devi faces probe by AIBA for returning medal

October 2, 2014

Indian boxer Sarita Devi had refused to accept her bronze medal in the lightweight 57-60 kg category at the Asian Games. The boxer handed the medal to South Korean silver medalist Park Ji-na, to whom she had suffered a controversial loss in the semi-finals.

Disciplinary Action

The International Boxing Association (Amateur) or AIBA has ordered a probe against her for returning the medal during the podium ceremony. The Disciplinary Action Process to review this case has already begun. AIBA Supervisor and Technical Delegate David Francis has already submitted a formal report detailing the incident to the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). In a statement, AIBA said that the Indian side did not have a clear understanding of the AIBA Technical Rules

Semi-final match

The ruling by the judges in Sarita Devi’s match against Korean Park Ji-na was controversial with two judges ruling against Sarita. She lodged an official complaint with AIBA’s technical jury team over the decision, but it was rejected as no complaint can be filed against a Judge’s ruling according to the Rules.

Support in India

Three Union Ministers, thus far, have expressed support for Sarita Devi. The Sports Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal, asked the Indian Olympic Association to submit a detailed report on Sarita Devi’s loss in the semi-finals. The Minister of State for Home also said that the Indian officials should have been more pro-active in lodging a protest with the authorities at the Asian Games. This claim was also supported by the Minister of State for North East Region Affairs.
Boxer Mary Kom has also expressed her support for Sarita Devi.

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