Boxer Laishram Sarita Devi banned for refusing bronze medal

Laishram Sarita Devi made her feelings abundantly clear at the presentation

Indian boxer Laishram Sarita Devi has been banned for a year after refusing to accept her bronze medal at the Asian Games in South Korea in October.

Sarita, 29, had been incensed by her semi-final defeat to local favourite Park Ji-na in Incheon and would not wear the bronze medal at the ceremony.

A life ban had been mooted but she will be able to return in October 2015.

"I am hugely relieved," said Sarita, who left the medal on the podium when the presentation concluded.

Boxing India said they would write to world governing body the International Amateur Boxing Association in an attempt to further reduce the punishment.

India's Cuban coach BI Fernandez, who criticised officials after the bout, was handed a two-year ban and fined 2000 Swiss francs (£1320).