Asian Games 2014: Sportspersons, experts extend support to dejected Sarita Devi

New Delhi: While being robbed of a gold medal chance as a result of unfairplay at Asiad 2014 left ace Indian boxer Sarita Devi disappointed, several Indian sportspersons, experts extended their support to the 32-year-old boxer who refused to accept her medal at the ceremony held on Wednesday at Incheon.

Sarita sent the local crowd and the officials gobsmacked as she refused to accept the bronze medal. She later on offered her medal to Korean boxer Park Jina, who was adjudged as the winner against Sarita in a controversial bout on Tuesday.

Several renowned sports personalities hailed Sarita, who took a brave stand by not accepting a medal she thought wasn't hers.

Renowned cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle expressed his disappointment over the issue.

 

so sarita devi refuses to accept bronze and gives it to the girl who, supposedly, beat her. wow, now that is a statement! — Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 1, 2014

Former Indian cricketer Bishan Singh Bedi also lauded the 32-year-old for taking a brave stand.

 

U R a Champion Sarita fr taking a 'stand'!V feel fr U hugely,grave injustice has been done 2 U & IOA wake up 2 Sarita's tears fr God's sake! — Bishan Bedi (@BishanBedi) October 1, 2014

Jaydev Unadkat – left-arm seamer who has represented Indian cricket team in seven ODIs, also pitched in his support and hailed Sarita's move to refuse the bronze medal.

 

To me, it seems what Sarita Devi did, was absolutely correct, for that would have at least consoled her broken heart and higher desires!

— Jaydev Unadkat (@JUnadkat) October 1, 2014

Ace Indian badminton player Jwala Gutta also expressed her disappointment over the entire issue.

 

My heart goes out for Sarita..to win any medal for the country is so difficult..and when she refused her medal only shows how hurt she is.. — Gutta Jwala (@Guttajwala) October 1, 2014

Sarita also borrowed a sum of 500 dollars and lodged a complaint against the result, which proved futile as according to laws, an athlete cannot challenge the decision of the judges.

Meanwhile, as the incident has triggered massive outrage across the country, International Boxing Association (AIBA) has opened disciplinary action against Sarita after she showed her dissent during the medal ceremony.