Boxer Sangwan's complaint against jury rejected

Sangwan wept bitterly after his loss

An appeal to overturn a controversial decision that saw Indian boxer Sumit Sangwan going down 14-15 under controversial circumstances to Brazilian Yamaguchi Falcao Florentino in the round of 32 of 81 kg category at the London Olympics has been rejected.

Revised results at the Olympics are rare.

The 19-year-old Indian fought valiantly and should have won more points but the judges thought otherwise. Even ESPN commentators were surprised by the verdict and called it “daylight robbery”.

India immediately lodged a protest. Ajay Maken tweeted, “Sumit Sangwan Bout; Officially the protest is lodged. Let us hope for justice.”  He also added, “Asking COM Brig Raja to lodge official protest against Sangwan decision. Sent an official with requisite $500 to formally lodge it. ”

Even the ESPN commentators called the decision ‘Daylight robbery’
Sangwan looked to have taken the first round but the judges decision meant he was left trailing by one point.

The Indian came out strongly in the second and sent his opponent reeling with great combination punches but again, to the surprise of the commentators, the bout was given in favour of the Brazilian 5-4.

Sangwan, who qualified for the London Olympics after bagging the light heavyweight title at the AIBA Asian Olympic qualifiers in Astana, came out swinging and to his credit took the third round 6-5. But that was not enough for the Indian and he became the second boxer, after Shiva Thapa, to be knocked out in the round of 32.

Compatriots Vijender Singh (75 kg) and Jai Bhagwan (60 kg) qualified for the round of 16 with convincing wins over their opponents.

by FP
With inputs from IANS