India boxer refuses to accept boxing bronze medal

INCHEON — India boxer L. Sarita Devi has refused to accept her Asian Games bronze medal in protest at what she called “biased judgment” during the semifinals of the 60-kilogram category.

Sarita went to the podium Wednesday but refused to bend down to let the medal be placed over her neck. She took the medal in her hand, went across and appeared to slip it onto the neck of Park Ji-na, the South Korean who beat her on Tuesday.

Sarita, who left the hall without the medal, says she decided to refuse the medal to make a point and “was ready to face any repercussions” in sanction for her behavior.

International amateur boxing officials at the venue declined to comment on the episode.

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