We have been ROBBED!!!

Breaking News: India's boxer Sarita Devi gets a Bronze in the Asian Games.

That was the news that flashed on my phone yesterday. It made me curious because of the use of 'gets' instead of 'wins' or any other suitable word. I wondered if there is more to the story or is just a bad choice of word by ToI or NDTV (I do not really remember which among the two applications gave that Breaking News alert).

Soon, another notification followed which indicated that Sarita Devi's semifinal bout was marred by controversy. Her coach, the management as well as Indian spectators had protested the result, which had gone in favor of the Korean opponent (Note: Asian Games is currently going on in South Korea). India later made a formal appeal against the final decision but it was promptly turned down.

Honestly, the story did not evoke too many emotions except the minor disappointment over India missing out on a Silver or Gold medal. Minor because India did win a medal. In sports, such controversies are not uncommon. After all, no one likes to lose. I did not or rather failed to look at the human side of the story.

Today, the news alert flashed an interesting news. In the prize distribution ceremony, unlike the usual practice, Sarita Devi refused to wear the Bronze medal around her neck!!! Now, that demanded a google search.

I figured that she asked the official to just hand over the Bronze medal to her and she later handed it over to the Korean boxer, who had 'managed to' win Silver medal!!! Later, overtaken by emotions, Sarita Devi broke down on the podium.

That is when I started to see the human side of the story. Sportsmen put so much effort in order to get adequate chances and win glory for themselves and their country. Boxing is not a popular or lets say, financially attractive sport in India. And it is quite demanding as one has to put a lot of effort to improve the technique,  speed and strength. One has to follow a strict regimen and proper diet in order to perform well in this physically demanding sport. Boxers are definitely not among the rich or well-to-do sportsmen in India and they have to make a lot of sacrifices for the sport that they love. Only if they do well, they get a chance of bagging a sponsorship deal or of winning a sports award (e.g Arjuna award, Khel Ratna award etc.), which come with certain financial benefits. I am not suggesting that a boxer or any other sportsman wants to do well only to get the financial support and benefits but these are aspects that cannot be ignored. However, sportsman are primarily driven by their competitive spirit and a hunger to do well for the country. Sarita Devi, to a certain extent, was denied that. Of course she 'got' a bronze medal, which is no ordinary accomplishment, but you know what is better than winning a Bronze medal?....Winning a Silver or Gold medal!!!

She was denied a chance to fight for a Gold, which would have ensured that the National Anthem plays in the background during the prize distribution!!! She was denied that chance and hence, she took that bold step of not wearing the medal (which may attract a disciplinary action against her) and gave away the medal to her semifinals opponent. She took a stand and I completely agree with her. The entire nation should support her.

So, the story finally managed to evoke more emotions. I have been pissed for most part of the day. And, just a short while back, I watched the highlights of her semifinals bout. Saying that she has been denied anything would be a huge understatement. She dominated the fight all through. From the beginning, she was like Maggie Fitzgerald in Million Dollar Baby!!! She has been ROBBED....all of us have been robbed. This is disgraceful and sheer favoritism on the part of the judges. Moreover, it should not be good for the pride (hopefully) of the Korean boxer (Ji Na Park) as well.

I sincerely hope that the Indian government acknowledges the good performance of Sarita Devi. At 32, there may not be too much boxing left in her. She completely deserves award and recognition from the government and public. She has done us proud by putting up a good show and by taking a stand against the unfair result. Kudos to her!!!