Bronze hangs like albatross around Sarita Devi's neck

A written apology hasn't really worked for Indian boxer L Sarita Devi.

Taking strong objection to the pugilist's behaviour at the Asian Games in Incheon, last month, the Amateur International Boxing Association (AIBA) on Wednesday provisionally suspended her for refusing to accept her bronze medal.

Apart from the boxer from Manipur, who cried foul after losing her 60 kg semifinal bout to South Korea's Ji-Na Park, the governing body also cracked the whip on coaches GS Sandhu, Blas Iglesias Fernandez and Sagarmal Dhayal, as well as India's chef-de-mission, Adille J Sumariwalla.

The communique, which was routed through Boxing India (BI), has given the quintet five days to reply. This effectively means Devi will not be allowed to participate in the world championships, which will be held in Jeju Island, South Korea, next month.

AIBA has also referred the suspension to its disciplinary commission for a review.

It may be recalled that Devi, who clearly dominated her South Korean opponent, was reduced to tears when the judges ruled in favour of Ji-Na. With several Indian athletes and journalists consoling her, Devi even filed a protest. It was, however, rejected. That's when her furious husband launched an expletive-filled rant at Indian as well as South Korean officials for "fixing" bouts.

Less than 24 hours later, during the medal ceremony, Devi twice refused the medal before stepping down the podium and hanging the bronze around the neck of her stunned opponent. "It's her medal. It's for South Korea," Devi had said then. She was in tears all along.

When the dust settled, Devi issued an "unconditional apology" to the Olympic Council of Asia for her behaviour.

In a letter addressed to BI president Sandeep Jajodia, AIBA has taken strong objection to Devi's act of indiscipline, alleged violation of its disciplinary code as well as violation of the principles of conduct. That apart, AIBA technical delegate said in a statement 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".

A BI official told dna that AIBA has given Devi and the others a chance to explain their position. "I must say AIBA has been kind. They have acknowledged that such things happen. They have given the parties seven days to reply," the official said.

Devi and the others are free to file their reply directly to AIBA, but it would be prudent to route it through BI and its lawyers. "I hope they sincerely apologise to AIBA. If not, our boxers will be in jeopardy," the official added. "In all these years, did we ever see Sachin Tendulkar raise a hue and cry over an umpire's decision? He always walked. Look, there is a way to protest. You can't make a mockery of the system and reduce the medal ceremony to a farce," the official added.

Devi and the coaches will receive all possible assistance from BI. Chief coach Sandhu, one of the few 'three-star' coaches in the world of amateur boxing, is hopeful of a favourable outcome. "I will route my reply through BI," he said. It is understood that BI is in touch with Devi as well as the coaches. "We are here to guide and support them in every way," the official said.

When reminded that AIBA is not new to controversy, the official said, "That's the beautiful part. After filing a reply, Devi is free to file a review petition. She can question the judges' decision in an orderly manner."

THE SARITA SAGA
September 30, 2014: Sarita Devi loses a controversial semifinal bout to South Korea's Jina Park at the Seonhak Gymnasium in Incheon. The 32-year-old Indian lost 0-3 on points in a unanimous decision despite being the dominant boxer in the bout. Sarita, her husband Thoiba Singh, and the Indian boxing contingent call it cheating. India appeal against the decision, but is turned down.

October 1, 2014: A sobbing Sarita refuses to accept the bronze medal during the presentation ceremony. She mockingly hands over the medal to Park, and leaves the medal behind despite being told by the organisers to take it with her. Sarita says she is prepared to face any consequence.

October 2, 2014: The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) re-instates her medal after a hearing with the Indian officials at the Games.

October 3, 2014: Sarita tenders an unconditional apology to AIBA president Ching-Kuo Wu. "I regret and apologize. Such an incident will never reoccur in the future," she stated in a letter.

October 4, 2014: OCA strongly reprimands Sarita for her action.

October 22, 2014: AIBA provisionally suspends Sarita, coaches GS Sandhu, Blas Iglesias Fernandez and Sagarmal Dhayal, as well as India's chef-de-mission Adille J Sumariwalla.