Boxer Sarita Devi, coaches suspended by AIBA

Indian woman boxer L. Sarita Devi, who refused to accept 2014 Asian Games bronze after losing the semi-final bout over a controversial decision, has been provisionally suspended by the International Boxing Association (AIBA).

Also suspended with her are her coaches Gurbaksh Singh Sandhu, B.I. Fernandes and Sagar Mai Dhayal and India's chef-de-mission Adille Sumariwala to the Incheon Asiad 2014.

The AIBA Executive Committe Bereau took the decision Tuesday and also stated that it will not allow the 29-year-old former World Champion and the other suspended officials to participate in the Women's World Championships to be held Nov 13-25 in Jeju, South Korea, and future competitions till further notice.

"AIBA Executive Committee Bureau decided to provisionally suspend Laisham Sarita Devi, her coaches (Gurbakhsh Singh Sandhu, B.I Fernandez and Sagar Mai Dhayal) as well as India's chef-de-mission Adille Sumariwalla, who were all present at the Incheon Asian Games, and not to allow any of them to participate at all levels of AIBA Competitions, Events and Meetings until further notice," AIBA said in a statement.

In Incheon, a day after she lost the 60-kg category semi-final bout to host challenger Jina Park despite dominating the bout, an inconsolable Sarita refused to accept the bronze medal and later handed over it to Park, who left the medal on the podium before making her exit at the Seonhak Gymnasium.

Later, the Indian boxer submitted a written apology to the organisers, who awarded the medal to the Indian.

"This case has been sent for review by the AIBA Disciplinary Commission, and it means that Sarita Devi, the above mentioned coaches as well as Sumariwalla will not be allowed to participate to the AIBA Women's World Boxing Championships Jeju 2014," the statement added. - IANS