Indians to counter-protest AIBA decision at Olympics

Will file an appeal at the start of session today against Vikas' ouster

The Indian boxing team is planning to file a protest of its own against the International Boxing Association's decision to overturn Vikas Krishan's pre-quarterfinal win.

"We are reviewing the video ourselves and preparing a counter-protest. We will submit it at the start of the session today in the afternoon at around 1:00pm (5:30pm IST). I don't know what the technicalities are but (Chef-de-Mission P K Muralidharan) Raja says there is a way to give a reply," national coach Gurbax Singh Sandhu told PTI.

In a stunning turn of events, Vikas (69kg) was ousted from the Games here after AIBA overturned the result of the bout he had won, following a review.

The 20-year-old had won 13-11 over Errol Spence in a thrilling contest last night but following an appeal by his rival's team management, the AIBA awarded the bout 15-13 to the American, citing the fouls committed by the Indian, which were not noticed by the referee.

A stunned Indian team had gone into a huddle after AIBA's decision and called an emergency meeting to discuss the matter.

While agreeing that Vikas had gone into a clinch with his rival, the Indians are claiming that the American was equally guilty of the same offence.

Sandhu said the Indians will challenge the observations made by the competition jury, which felt that Vikas should have been penalised four points for holding his rival nine times and deliberately spitting out his gumshield during the bout.

"We will argue that the our guy did not hold Spence more than seven times. The American was guilty of holding Vikas four times according to us. As for spitting the gumshield, that may or may not be considered because the referee had failed to spot it during the bout," Sandhu explained.

Asked about the chances of India's counter-appeal getting any favourable result, Sandhu said, "I can't say for sure what will happen but we will ensure that our version is also taken into account."

Earlier, Raja, also the Indian Boxing Federation's Secretary General, said the team will not accept the decision lying down.