Asian Games: Sarita Devi may face suspension for refusing medal

Sarita Devi during the medal ceremony

In a week that keeps getting worse for Indian boxer Sarita Devi, there could be further bad news coming her way. Devi could face suspension and a fine if she is found guilty of breaching the Amateur International Boxing Association (AIBA) rules.

Her misfortune started on Tuesday with a shocking result in the semifinals of the lightweight event against South Korea’s Jina Park. Despite appearing to be the clear winner, the victory was awarded to the Korean Park in controversial circumstances.

At the medal ceremony there was further drama, as Devi refused to accept her bronze medal. She left her medal on the podium after the ceremony and walked away in tears, disappointed that she couldn’t stand on the gold or silver podium place.

However, as it turns out, her decision to refuse the medal might put her career in jeapordy. As per the rules of the AIBA, refusal of a medal is a serious offence. The 29-year-old boxer was weeping during the ceremony as she handed over her medal to her Korean opponent Park.

"AIBA will decide what the quantum of punishment will be for Sarita. It is a breach of rules, it is unsporting, so there may be some penalty,” Adille Sumariwalla, the chef-de-mission of the Indian contingent told NDTV.

There is hope that the Indian Boxing Federation supports Devi in the issue to avoid suspension of any sort. However, Devi herself said that she has not received support from the Indain officials after the incident. "It has been 24 hours and not one official has come to speak with me and ask me if I am fine. They just come here to take photos with medallists and nothing else,” Devi said.

CNN-IBN tweeted that a case has been officialy opened regarding the incident.

AIBA opens disciplinary case against boxer Sarita Devi after she refused bronze medal earlier today #AsianGames2014 pic.twitter.com/09teiZ50Nw

— CNN-IBN News (@ibnlive) October 1, 2014