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Sunita Rani's coach reinstated

January 13, 2003 19:44 IST

Athletics coach Renu Kohli, who was suspended in the wake of the doping controversy involving distance runner Sunita Rani, was reinstated by her employer, the Sports Authority of India, on Monday.

Following the clean chits to Sunita Rani by various international bodies, Kohli's suspension was revoked with effect from January 8, according to a statement from the Amateur Athletic Federation of India.

SAI director general Shekhar Dutt intimated the AAFI about the decision to reinstate Kohli.

"As per the letter of Mr. Shekhar Dutt, her suspension orders are revoked with effect from January 8," the statement said.

"I had always maintained that Sunita was innocent. Now we feel vindicated, finally," a relieved Kohli said.

The SAI had suspended Kohli on October 25 last year to facilitate a "free and fair" probe ordered by the 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 was confident of her coming out clean.

"She is very talented and does not need drugs to bolster her performance."