New Delhi, Jan 03: Coach Renu Kohli, who was suspended in the light of doping allegations against Sunita Rani, will be reinstated soon following the world athletics body's clean chit to the athlete today. A visibly relieved Kohli told a news agency here "I had always maintained that Sunita was innocent. Now we feel vindicated finally."

Amateur Athletics Association of India (AAFI) secretary Lalit Bhanot said they would approach the Sports Authority of India (SAI) director general and recommend for revoking the suspension of Kohli. "We will say the (Sunita Rani's) file is closed now and request for revoking Kohli's suspension," Bhanot said.

SAI had suspended Kohli on October 25 to facilitate a "free and fair" probe ordered by AAFI.


According to rules the suspension of a coach has to be revoked after three months in case no charges are established. Kohli said she had been associated with the athlete since 1995 and she was confident of her coming out clean. "She is very talented and does not need drugs to bolster her performance."

Bureau Report