World Boxing Championship; Decision was wrong but I will accept it: Sarita Devi
Controversial 60kg pre-quarterfinal bout
New Delhi, Nov 18: A dejected Sarita Devi on Sunday bowed out of the World Boxing Championships after losing to Ireland's Kellie Harrington in a controversial 60kg pre-quarterfinal bout, a result which the veteran Indian was not happy with but didn't protest fearing another ban.
The Manipuri was handed a one year ban by the world body AIBA for refusing to accept her bronze medal in protest during the victory ceremony at the 2014 Asian Games.
"I am not happy with the decision (of the judges). The decision has gone Ulta (opposite), I thought I had the upperhand in all the three rounds," said Sarita after losing to 2016 World Championship silver medallist Harrington in a split 3-2 verdict.
"But what do I do, I was banned for one year after the 2014 Asian Games controversy. So, I cannot say anything now.
"I don't know why these things happen to me only," added the 36-year-old Sarita.
Sarita got a standing count against her in the third round.
Asked about that, she said, "It was not a standing count. My opponent was a southpaw and her legs got entangled in between mine and I slipped and fell.
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Lebanon appoints new representative for talks with Israel, rejects linkage to Iran
Beirut: Lebanon’s has moved to underline its independent position in ongoing regional developments, amid attempts to link the country to the broader conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
President Joseph Aoun, while announcing the appointment of former US ambassador Simon Karam as Lebanon’s representative in talks with Israel, made it clear that Karam would be the sole representative for Lebanon and that there would be no substitute.
The move comes in response to what the Lebanese officials see as efforts by Iran to tie Lebanon’s situation to the wider regional conflict. Iran had indicated that there would be no ceasefire involving the US, Israel and Iran unless it also included a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Some groups, including Hezbollah and its supporters, had expressed support for linking the situations, citing concerns that the Lebanese government has limited leverage in negotiations with Israel. Lebanon is not formally a party to the conflict, and its army is considered weak.
However, others, including Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, have opposed this approach. They view Iran’s stance as an attempt to influence Lebanon’s internal affairs and see it as undermining the country’s sovereignty.
Officials backing the government’s position say the move is aimed at reaffirming Lebanon’s sovereignty and ensuring that decisions about peace and ceasefire within the country are not dictated externally.
They also see it as a safeguard, so that any breakdown in talks between the US, Israel and Iran does not automatically lead to renewed conflict in Lebanon.
