New Delhi: Distance runner Sunita Rani's ordeal was finally over today with the world athletics body absolving the athlete of doping charges, paving the way for her participation in international events and return of medals snatched from the recent Busan Asian Games.

Close on the heels of the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) recommendation that Sunita Rani's case should not be pursued further, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) said in a letter to the Amateur Athletic Association of India (AAFI) that its investigation into the case led to the decision that the charges against the athlete be dropped.

"The IAAF's position finally is that this is not a case which should be pursued any further as a doping offence under IAAF rules," IAAF's Anti-Doping Officer Dr Gabriel Dolle said in the letter.

AAFI secretary Lalit Bhanot told reporters the letter has paved the way for Sunita Rani, who was under a temporary suspension, to participate in all national and international meets.

"Due to the existing discrepancies in the Seoul Lab report, IAAF did not accept it and Sunita has been exonerated of all charges," Bhanot said.

Sunita Rani's Asian Games medals, which were taken away after she allegedly tested positive for a banned substance, were expected to be returned by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) by the end of this month.

"The return of her medals is a mere formality now," Bhanot said. "There will be no ban on Sunita for competing in national or international competitions as the protest lodged by AAFI with IAAF has been upheld and decision conveyed in favour of the athlete," Bhanot said.

Based on the report of the one-man Sushil Salwan inquiry committee, which held Sunita Rani innocent, the AAFI, represented among others by its president Suresh Kalmadi, had put forward its protest at Monaco (IAAF headquarters).

In response to the protest, IAA reviewed the case and finally replied in their letter that the case should not be pursued further. Salwan, who was also present at the press conference, said, "It is an honour and pride for the whole nation that we were able to make the international body accept our findings."

Salwan's report pointed out various discrepancies and irregularities in the dope testing procedures followed by the IOC accredited laboratory in Seoul.

Asked if the Indian authorities were considering any action against those guilty of tarnishing the image of the athlete and the country, both Salwan and Bhanot said "That step would be considered once the medals were returned."

"This victory is for the nation, Sunita Rani and the AAFI. I am sure the OCA will return her medals in the light of the directions given by IOC and the decision of IAAF," Bhanot said.

PTI