Sarita Devi loses controversial bout, settles for bronze

Indian boxer L. Sarita Devi lost her semi-final bout in controversial circumstances and had to be content with the bronze medal in the women's light weight (57-60kg) event of the 17th Asian Games here Tuesday.

The 32-year-old Indian lost 0-3 in an unanimous decision to South Korea's Jina Park at the Seonhak Gymnasium.

After losing the first round convincingly, Sarita came back strongly in the next.

Judges B and C of Italy and Poland awarded the round 10-9 to the Indian, however, Judge A of Tunisia gave it 10-9 to the South Korean.

The controversy, though, took place in the third round as the Indian battered Park and had her reeling, but, inexplicably, Judges B and C awarded the round 10-9 in favour of the host fighter while Judge A gave the round 10-9 to Sarita.

The fourth and decisive round was also a close fought affair with nothing to separate the two but all three judges awarded the round 10-9 to the South Korean that sealed her passage to the final of the weight category.

Sarita Devi was visibly distressed by the judges' decision and waited for a while before exiting the ring.

According to reports, India are mulling an appeal against the verdict.