A lesson for the Koreans
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: Ocotber 02, 2014 -

The Incheon Asian Games will ever remain as a blot in the history of Asia’s biggest sporting event.

The Koreans have transgressed the ethics and fairness in sports.

It was unlikely of a ‘gentle’ nation to cheat other participating countries in this way.

Korea is trailing China in the race for highest number of medals in this Games.

It is a fact that the Korean athletes are performing far better than the Indian athletes, but the unfair judgement in the bouts of Sarita and Devendro has belittled the host nation. Korea had to bite the bullet when the reality of its ‘fake champ’ was exposed to the whole world.

Korean ‘star’ boxer Jina Park was severely thrashed by the Chinese boxer in the final bout, as done earlier by Sarita in the controversial semi-final bout.

It was a big blow to the Koreans who have adopted unfair means to chase the fast moving Chinese contingent.

One thing is clear from this boxing bout—Korea fears China and not India.

This was clearly exhibited in the final bout.

Korea could have been in trouble if it had tried to repeat Sarita’s incident against the Chinese boxer. Things went good for the Chinese boxer.

The ‘fake champ’ was ultimately kicked out of the ring.

However, Manipuri star boxer Sarita could not be consoled by the bronze medal.

Her unfulfilled dream of winning the gold medal haunted her and made her weep shockingly during the medal presentation ceremony.

Her refusal to accept the bronze medal was quite just. She did not deserve that medal.

It was the Korean boxer who should be receiving the bronze medal, and so Sarita presented her the medal.

Despite of all controversies, Sarita did not fail to keep her sportsmanship alive by hugging and greeting the Korean boxer in a friendly manner.

Sarita taught a great lesson to the Koreans as well as the Indian officials. Though Sarita got the moral support from her countrymen, the Indian officials did little to console her in the aftermath of the controversial bout.

The Manipuri boxer feels alienated by the attitude of the Indian officials.

Nevertheless, the athletes from Manipur managed to bag several medals including a gold medal in boxing by the ‘Magnificent’ Mary Kom.

The Manipuris have exhibited their real courage and determination in this Asian Games.

Manipur’s contribution to India’s medal tally is something very immense comparing to the size and population of the State.

The boxing icon Mary Kom’s golden victory has given some solace to the aggrieved boxing fans, in particular the Manipuris.

Her magnificence should continue till the Rio Olympics. Mary’s victory was also a big blow to the Koreans.

The legacy of the Manipuri athletes should continue and prove to the world that Manipur is indeed the ‘powerhouse of sports’.

The victimized athletes of Incheon Games should try to come out of this trauma as soon as possible and focus on their training to give better performance in other upcoming international sporting events.

Now, the challenge for Manipuri athletes is not only against Korea, but to the whole world.

The Incheon Games should be a driving force for the Manipuri athletes to give their best performance in the coming Rio Olympics.