A tale of Robbery, 'Sob-bery' and Again Robbery

Robbery

It was very unfortunate and shocking, of what happened, post the Semi-final bout between Laishram Sarita Devi and the local favourite Park Ji-na in Incheon Asian Games' Lightweight boxing. The jury's controversial verdict denied Sarita an entry into the final. The video footage showed the tell-tale sign of partiality and 'home advantage'. The Manipuri pugilist knocked Park out in the Third round and also had a convincing Fourth round but the viewers, as much as she, were in for a rude shock when the umpire raised Park's hands instead, at the end. In short, it was highway robbery. No ifs and no buts.

What was equally shocking and more saddening, was the absence of Indian officials to support the inconsolable Sarita after the verdict. That was not all, no official was forthcoming when she decided to protest against the decision compelling her to borrow $500 to lodge her protest. But even, that was turned down and rejected by AIBA (International Amateur Boxing Association).

David Francis, AIBA supervisor, said the Indian team had not followed the proper rules regarding protests. He was quoted as saying "The Indian Team submitted a protest, however the Indian Team did not follow the AIBA Technical Rules and protested against the Judges’ decisions, though the Rules only allow a protest against the Referee’s Decision." If what Francis said is to be trusted, it brought to the fore, the ill-equipped and illiterate Indian officials on that front. It also shows Indian Boxing Federation in all its 'shining armour'.

Sob-bery (Sob-story)

While moral support from every right thinking Indians was pouring in from all corner, home and abroad, thanks to the Indian media featuring the bout and her tale of woes non-stop. Sarita turned out to be a tad too emotionally ridden, sobbing on the podium, and rejecting outright the Bronze medal at the Medal Ceremony. If her behaviour at the podium was not ugly enough she walked up to Park Ji-na and tried to drape the medal around the stunned, Silver medalist's neck. That despicable and avoidable act of her proved to be her 'only' undoing.

Sarita Devi trying to drape, the Bronze medal, around Ji-na's neck

It was totally uncalled for and very unbecoming of a sports personality of her stature whose 'wall of fame' includes a former world champion title (Lightweight), Arjuna award (2009) and a Silver medal in Glasgow 2O14 . Not to forget, she was also a national champion. When the whole world points finger at South Korea and the officials of foul play, her melodramatic behaviour created the much sough after opportunity, as Son Cheon-taik, The Deputy Secretary General of Incheon's Organising Committee, was quick to respond by stating "She (Sarita) needs to respect the official ruling and show sportsmanship. Her actions were not sportsman-like." He seems to be making his point heard across the table now.

It is difficult to comprehend what actually compelled Sarita to behave in such manner, at the podium, after all what needs to be done had, already been done. And her protest too, not yielding any positive result. Keeping in view, the  media attention and the fan following she garnered, following her 'sob-bery', she is now at par with Mary Kom, who holds the record for being the first Indian woman boxer to have won Gold in the history of Asian Games.

Again Robbery

I can't help but think, of a larger ulterior motive, Sarita might have had, in all these 'dramebazi'? A leading English newspaper in the home-state of the two famous boxers, Manipur, had lavishly devoted three-fourth of its Front page coverage entirely on Sarita Devi while Mary Kom is forced to eat a humble-pie going by the the 2nd October edition of the Imphal based daily. If the robbery of her promising medal, nothing less 'glittering' than Silver was not enough, her 'sob-bery' now has in robbed 'Hmang-nificient Mary' of the media coverage and attention she so richly deserved.

And What's Next?

But all said and weighed, her determination to continue boxing, despite the unfair treatment meted out to her, is praiseworthy. I hope it's not just mere emotional ranting, which I'm tempted to suspect of, at the end of the day. However, that would materialise only and if she doesn't face a ban by AIBA. And in all likelihood, in the present scenario and if what is reported in Reuters is anything to go by, the AIBA is to issue a decision regarding disciplinary procedures immediately after the Games, which end on Saturday. If AIBA is unforgiving in its afore-mentioned disciplinary procedures, Sarita's promising boxing career could end right here with Incheon Asian Games. And that would be a huge loss for India, in general and Manipur in particular. 

It is however, too untimely to predict anything following the unfortunate turn of events. Whichever way the pendulum swings, for better or for worse, only time will tell.