Laishram Sarita conferred IIK National Pride Award
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 02 2014 :
In due recognition of the brave performance of boxer Laishram Sarita in the ongoing Asian Games 2014 at Incheon, Indians In Korea (IIK) awarded her with "UK National Pride Award" with a cash component of USD 1710 contributed by Indians In Korea (IIK) members.
Following the controversial loss in the semifinal bout against South Korean boxer Jina Park despite the fact that Sarita was clearly the better of the two pugilists, Indian boxer L Sarita on Wednesday stunned officials and spectators by refusing to accept the bronze medal.
The Indian also lost an appeal against the judges' decision and on Wednesday tearfijlly made her way to the medal ceremony.
Crying bitterly on the podium, Sarita first refused to wear the medal before handing it over to Park after sharing an emotional hug with the home boxer.
Laishram Sarita's brave acts have united the Indian community.
"We Indians in Korea feel proud of our Nation and hence the IIK National Pride Award", said a press release.
"AIBA has already initiated its Disciplinary Action Process to review this case, and the decision will be made immediately after the Asian Games," AIBA said in a statement.
Earlier, AIBA in its statement said that its supervisor and Technical Delegate David B Francis has submitted a report to the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) concerning the case.
"IIK strongly believes that the brave heart acts of Sarita will persuade the AIBA to look after the case more positively and seriously in terms of changing rules of judging rather than taking actions against Sarita and Boxing India Team", it said.
The award is embossed with this statement.
"Indians In Korea (IIK) community is proud of you for giving j?our best performance at Incheon Asian Games 2014.You are the real winner for us and will always be.
"As a token of appreciation.
IIK is pleased to award you the IIK National Pride Award with a cash value of USD 1710 contributed by Indians In Korea (IIK) members as a respect for your performance.
Sincerely, Indians in Korea" .