Former Sports Minister Ajay Maken today termed AIBA's decision to suspend Indian woman boxer L Sarita Devi for refusing to accept bronze medal at the Asian Games podium ceremony as "unfortunate" and asked the Centre to take up the matter at the highest international level.

"It is very unfortunate. The IBF, sports ministry and all concerned authorities should have the guts to take it up at the highest level, including with the International Olympic Committee," Maken said.

Asking the boxing fraternity and related sports organisations to "stand firmly" behind their coaches and players, Maken said that it was not the first time that India suffered on this account.