I was embarrassed with judges decision; Sarita was real winner: Jina Park Published by: Shubhanshu Sharma Published on: Thu, 02 Oct 2014 at 06:52 IST Incheon: Indian boxer L Sarita Devi may face a lengthy ban or long suspension for what she did at the medal presentation ceremony at the 17th Asian Games in Incheon, but even her opponent from the semifinal bout, South Korean Jina Park, has backed her stand saying that her Indian counterpart was the actual winner of the match and whatever was done by the judges was embarrassing. Earlier on Tuesday, despite dominating the semifinal clash, Sarita was declared defeated by the judges and was robbed off a shot at gold medal. Subsequently, she refused to accept the bronze medal blaming judges of being biased while announcing the decision. After the match,Park said, “I am embarrassed by what has happened. She (Sarita) was the winner yesterday.” At the podium where the medals were being presented, an emotional Sarita Devi who looked completely broken with whatever happened to her, she presented her medal to Park. However, later Park also tried to pursue Sarita to accept the medal but she repeatedly refused. Since yesterday, it is being said Sarita may face a lengthy international ban for the way she reacted at the medal distribution ceremony. A probe will be conducted by AIBA and Sarita will only face ban if she will be found guilty. According to a statement issued by the boxing association, “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 revealed that in regard to the case, a report to the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has already been submitted by its supervisor and Technical Delegate David B Francis. Francis has mentioned in his report, 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, while speaking her heart out an emotional Sarita said, “I didnt want to take that medal to India as it wasnt 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. Almost every Indian was left in tears when the distressed Indian boxer, who was highly disappointed with her controversial defeat in the semifinal round of Asiad, bitterly cried, while being conferred with the bronze medal. It has been looked as a controversial act by the boxer as she refused to sport it around her neck giving a clear example of sportsmanship handed it over to her opponent from the semifinal round. The lightweight (60kg) boxer was stunned with the judges’ decision who announced home favourite Jina Park as winner on Tuesday. It is to tell you that Jina went on securing silver medal after losing in the final. According to reports, Sarita was much better than Park throughout the match but the judges didn’t think so as they elevated the local talent as the winner. After the controversial defeat, the boxer’s appeal to check judges’ decision was also turned down which struck her severely and she kept crying throughout the medal distribution ceremony. Subsequently, the former Asian Games and world champion left the ceremony. Park, who also looked disappointed with the developments, left medal on the podium and left the ceremony. The Indian lightweight boxer had earlier said that she may return the bronze medal. Her hubby C Thoiba had reportedly said that they will accept the medal at the ceremony but are planning to return it as a mark of protest. Earlier on Tuesday, Sarita, who looked a dominant force in the semifinal bout against South Korean boxer Park in dubious circumstances. Following the match, Indian contingent lodged a complaint but it was rejected by the International Boxing Association (AIBA). Highly disappointed Sarita said after the match, “I don’t accept this decision. It’s wrong,” even as her husband Thoiba confronted the match officials screaming: “You’ve killed boxing!” Image: Imphal Free Press Source: pardaphash/news/i-was-embarrassed-with-judges-decision-sarita-was-real-winner-jina-park/762920.html#.VC9rrPmSzaE .
Posted on: Sat, 04 Oct 2014 03:56:44 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015