In the latest development to the controversy which triggered after ace Indian boxer Sarita Devi refused to accept a bronze medal at the Asian Games 2014, Boxing India on Friday said it will issue a showcause notice to Sarita’s coach and husband for their unauthorised presence at the ringside.
Sandeep Jajodia, President Boxing India confirmed the news.
Meanwhile, when Sarita’s husband C Thoiba Singh was asked for his reaction over Boxing India’s move, he said that he is yet to receive the showcause notice and would be in a position to say anything further only after receiving it.
Reacting to this, Thoiba said, “I was there as an spectator, not only for my wife but for the Indian boxing contingent.”
Earlier, Sarita had found a new supporter in batting legend Sachin Tendulkar who had written a letter to the Sports Minister on November 15 urging him to support her and ensure that her career is not terminated prematurely.
Notably, it was an unpleasant sight at the 17th Asian Games 2014 for India, where Sarita Devi (60kg) had to settle for a bronze despite dominating her semifinal bout against local favourite Park Ji-Na.
The 32-year-old boxer from Manipur dominated majority of the bout. The judges, however, thought otherwise and declared the Korean as the winner.
At the medal ceremony, upset with the controversial decision, Sarita refused to bend down to let the medal be placed over her neck. She then took the medal and slipped it onto the neck of Park Ji-Na, who had been declared the winner of their semifinal bout.
The South Korean boxer, an eventual silver medalist, tried to give the bronze medal back to Devi, then left it on the podium.
The decision, which drew huge criticism, left Sarita Devi in a state of shock and she was seen weeping inconsolably. Sarita’s husband Thoiba Singh was heard screaming at the officials and he also got into a scuffle with security officials.
