Sarita, who was declared a loser despite dominating the 60kg semifinal bout against home favourite Jina Park, was today inconsolable on the podium and was crying bitterly as she stunned the officials and spectators by refusing to accept the bronze medal, which is now in the custody of organisers.
The boxer was in disbelief yesterday when she lost to Park, who ended up as the silver-medallist. Sarita was clearly the better of the two pugilists but the judges thought otherwise.
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.
A sobbing Sarita later told reporters that she had to do what she did at the medal ceremony to continue with her boxing career or 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.
"I am prepared for any consequences. Not one Indian official came to us and consoled or even spoke to us."
Hours after her apparent defiance, the AIBA termed her act as regrettable and initiated a disciplinary action process
"AIBA has already proceeded its Disciplinary Action Process to review this case, and the decision will be made immediately after the Asian Games," AIBA said in a statement.