BI urges IOA, AIBA to resolve Sarita issue

Newly-created Boxing India (BI) has expressed its sadness over the developments involving L. Sarita Devi's controversial loss in the Asian Games semi-final and consequent medal refusal, hoping the matter will be expeditiously resolved by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and International Boxing Association (AIBA).

Sarita Wednesday refused to accept her bronze medal at the podium ceremony, protesting against her contentious defeat to South Korean Jina Park in the last-four stage of the Asiad and could face disciplinary action from AIBA.

"We are hopeful that the involved authorities, the IOA and AIBA, shall judiciously resolve the matter without compromising with the sports or sportspersons," BI president Sandeep Jajodia said in statement Friday.

BI also acknowledged the performance of its contingent and praised M.C. Mary Kom for becoming the first Indian woman boxer to win a gold medal at Asian Games.