Sarita told PTI that she was unaware of the development and will only act when she gets a formal word from AIBA. Coach Sandhu was optimistic about the situation and said the matter will be resolved soon. Sarita's protest took place a day after she was widely perceived as having been robbed by the judges in her lightweight semi-final bout with South Korean boxer Jina Park. To the untrained eye, it looked like Sarita had dominated the fight, especially in the final two rounds, leaving her opponent with a bloodied nose. But the judges ruled in Jina's favour, causing boos to rain down from the crowd. At the medal ceremony, Sarita burst into tears and refused to allow the bronze medal to be placed around the neck. She then took the medal and put it around a stunned Jina's neck, as if to say this is your medal, not mine. After Sarita had returned to her place on the podium, the Korean boxer followed her and begged her to take the medal back. "It was a protest for all the sportsmen and women of the world against injustice in sport,” Sarita said later. “Had I kept the medal, it would have reminded me of the injustice and cheating all my life. So I decided not to accept it.” Sarita's controversial protest sent a tremor racing through the Asian Games and AIBA responded harshly, saying her protest was unacceptable and should not be tolerated. AIBA Executive Committee Bureau decided to provisionally suspend Mrs Laisham Sharita Devi, her coaches and the Chef de Mission – India, who were all present at the Incheon 2014 Asian Games, and not to allow any of them to participate at all levels of AIBA Competitions, Events and Meetings until further notice. To many her act of refusal (emotional though!) was correct and she had become a hero. Instead of accepting the wrong decision, she protested making it known World over. Sarita later offered an "unconditional apology" to AIBA for her actions – apologised because she did not want any other Indian boxer to suffer. She was graceful enough to say that she was not angry with Jina – but against the errant officials. In essence, she exposed him. It was an elegant statement to those concerned that she rightfully deserved the medal she was denied of. To those who would jump to say that one need to follow rules at all times – remember when Mahatma Gandhi made salt, it was against the law of the land. It was a peaceful protest but strong message. Sarita devi daringly protested against the rampant trouble – it is wrong to declare a loser. The decision to ban her is unfortunate … and IBF, Sports Ministry and all should stand firmly against her. After all, protests, for various causes — are not uncommon in sport. In the 1968 Olympics at Mexico for instance, American sprinters Tommy Smith and John Carlos gave the Black Power salute from the victory podium. But the consequences of a protest cannot undermine the cause itself. In 1981, Sunil Gavaskar, upset at the constant sledging by the Australians at Melbourne, almost became the first captain to concede a Test match. Remember ‘smoke was coming out of my ears and I heard nothing’ comment !! With regards – S. Sampathkumar
23rd Oct 2014.
