IMPHAL, October 2: The Indian community in Korea has honoured pugilist Laishram Sarita with the IIK National Pride Award, which include a cash award of USD 1710, contributed by Indians in Korea.
According to a release of the Indians In Korea, the honour has been conferred to Sarita in recognition of her brave act and her performance in the ongoing Asian Games 2014 at Incheon.
It said the citation of the award mentioned that: `Indians In Korea (IIK) community is proud of you for giving best performance at Incheon Asian Games 2014. You are the real winner for us and will always be.
As a token of appreciation, IIK is pleased to award you “IIK National Pride Award” with a cash value of USD 1710 contributed by Indians In Korea (IIK) members as a respect for your performance.`
The statement recalled that following the controversial loss in the semi-final bout against South Korean boxer Jina Park despite the fact that Sarita was clearly the better of the two pugilists, Sarita on Wednesday stunned officials and spectators by refusing to accept the bronze medal.
It continued that the Indian subsequently also lost an appeal against the judges` decision and on Wednesday tearfully made her way to the medal ceremony. Crying bitterly on the podium, Sarita first refused to wear the medal before handing it over to Park after sharing an emotional hug with the home boxer.
The statement added that Sarita`™s brave act has united the Indian community and made Indians in Korea feel proud of their nation, hence IIK award entitled as `IIK National Pride Award`™ has been conferred to her.
Further it said that AIBA in its statement indicated that its supervisor and Technical Delegate David B Francis have submitted a report to the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) concerning the case.
IIK strongly believe that the brave act of Sarita will persuade the AIBA to look into the case more positively and seriously, in terms of changing rules of judging rather than taking actions against Sarita and Boxing India Team, added the release.
Sarita is a boxer. May God bless you and your family. And my affection and blessing to the little one.