In pictures: Indian female boxer refuses Asian Games medal in protest

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  India’s L Sarita Devi lands a punch on Park Ji-na in their bout. India have lodged a protest against the outcome of an Asian Games semi-final bout after judges awarded a unanimous decision to South Korea’s Park Ji-na over L Sarita Devi in the 60-kilogram division, sparking loud verbal abuse from sections of the crowd and condemnation from a coach. Issei Kato / Reuters

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  Fellow bronze medallist, Vietnam’s Luu Thi Duyen, urges Sarita to go on to the podium after she decided to refuse her bronze medal. Indranil Mukherjee / AFP Photo

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  Sarita’s highly controversial defeat to South Korea’s Park Ji-na caused chaotic scenes with her husband scuffling with security. During the ceremony, on October 1, Sarita burst into tears as she walked to the podium. Indranil Mukerjee / AFP Photo

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  After the other medals had been awarded, Sarita stepped off the podium, took the bronze from the official and went to shake silver medallist Park’s hand. As Park gave a traditional Korean bow, Sarita put the bronze round the bemused fighter’s neck. Kim Kyung-Hoon / Reuters

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  Sarita then walked out of the gym without her medal. Kim Kyung-hoon / Reuters

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  Sarita says she decided to refuse the medal to make a point and “was ready to face any repercussions” in sanction for her behaviour. Indranil Mukerjee / AFP Photo

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  “Everyone saw it was a one-sided bout and there were at least three occasions when she should have been given a standing count,” the 29-year-old Sarita said yesterday. “The host is clearly taking advantage.” Indranil Mukerjee / AFP Photo

INCHEON, SOUTH KOREA // India boxer L Sarita Devi has refused to accept her Asian Games bronze medal in protest at what she called “biased judgment” during the semi-finals of the 60kg 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 behaviour.

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