Asiad Bronze Medalist Sarita given grand reception
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, October 04 2014 : Asian Games gold-medal winner MC Mary Kom on Saturday said 'though she is sorry for what happened with her fellow boxer L Sarita Devi at Incheon, nothing can be done about it and that she could have behaved better at the medal distribution ceremony' .

In an interview with CNN-IBN on Saturday, Mary Kom said "We were very sorry for her (Sarita), but we are helpless, can't do anything.

It would be great if this (unfair judgment) does not happen in future," .

Upset at her controversial defeat in the semi-finals, Sarita refused to wear her bronze medal and even gave it to the South Korean who beat her in the semis, which didn't please the game's governing body that threatened to take action against Sarita.

Asiad Bronze Medalist Sarita given grand reception

Mary Kom didn't support Sarita's behaviour at the podium.

"If she did not want to take the medal, it would have been good that she did not go for the medal ceremony.

Little upset with her behaviour at medal ceremony.

The judges did everything, the South Korean boxer did not know anything about this," Mary Kom said during the CNN-IBN interview.

However, on her return home, Sarita offered an "unconditional apology" for her behaviour.

In a statement issued, the International Boxing Association (AIBA) said that the disappointed boxer has regretted her actions.

Her medal was reinstated on Friday after a hearing by the Olympic Council of Asia during which the Indian delegation expressed regrets over the incident.

Meanwhile, Ace boxer Sarita Laishram was given a grand reception on Saturday with a jubilant crowd of fans receiving her by sounding drums and offering garlands at the Imphal Airport.

Talking to the media at Imphal Airport, an emotional Sarita with tears in her eyes said she had tendered an unconditional apology to the International Boxing Association (AIBA) for her improper behaviour at the Award Ceremony for the 17th Asian Games in Incheon, Korea because she knew the incident would mar the Indian boxing team.

Sarita, however, daringly declared that she was not aware of the AIBA's decision and added that she would willingly accept whatever decision the association wanted to take over the incident.

Yesterday, the Head of the Indian Mission at the Incheon Asian Games 2014 Mr Adille J Sumariwalla had forwarded to the President of the International Boxing Association (AIBA) Dr Ching-Kuo Wu, a letter of apology of Woman boxer Sarita Laishram Devi (57-60kg) who had refused to receive the bronze medal at the Award Ceremony for the 17th Asian Games, according to an AIBA statement.

The national champion and former world champion said she was still shock at her controversial lightweight semi-final bout she lost against South Korea's Jina Park at the Incheon Asian Games.

The pugilist said the Indian boxing team remained silent over the incident, but added that her husband lodged a strong protest against the injustice meted out to her.

Sarita was later felicitated at a reception ceremony organised by the Social Welfare Club, Mayang Imphal.

Local MLA and Works minister Dr Kh Ratankumar was also present at the occasion.