Asian Games: Robbed of final berth, inconsolable Sarita refuses bronze!

'I had to do this to continue with my boxing career, or the memory of this incident would have stayed on in my mind'

'Not one Indian official came to us and consoled or even spoke to us'

'I am prepared for any consequences'

Distraught after losing a controversial semi-final bout at the Incheon Asian Games, Indian boxer L Sarita Devi stunned officials and spectators on Wednesday by refusing to accept the bronze medal, which is now in the custody of organisers.

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The lightweight (60kg) boxer was in disbelief on Tuesday after losing in the semi-finals to home favourite Jina Park, who ended up silver medallist.

Sarita was clearly the better of the two pugilists but the judges thought otherwise.

The Indian subsequently also lost an appeal against the judges' decision and tearfully made her way to the medal ceremony.

Crying bitterly on the podium, Sarita first refused to wear the medal before handing it over to Park after sharing an emotional hug with the home boxer.

The former Asian and World champion then left the ceremony.

Park, visibly rattled by the turn of events, left the medal on the podium and made her exit.

Sarita appeared to be a clear winner in Tuesday's bout, having dominated the proceedings with such ferocity that Park could barely stand up the assault. But to the dismay of the Indian contingent and spectators, the judges awarded the bout to Park.

A sobbing Sarita later told reporters that she had to do what she did at the medal ceremony to continue her boxing career, else it would have stayed in her mind.

"It's not that I did not want to accept the medal. I accepted it and then gave it back to the Koreans. I had to do this to continue with my boxing career or the memory of this incident would have stayed on in my mind. I would now go back and hug my infant child," she said.

She said she is ready to face the consequences of her actions while accusing the Indian officialdom of being uncaring in the whole episode.

"I am prepared for any consequences. Not one Indian official came to us and consoled or even spoke to us," she said.