New Delhi: Distance runner Sunita Rani's honour was at last redeemed when she was given back her two Busan Asian Games medals at a grand ceremony on Tuesday, capping her traumatic dope saga.

Sunita Rani was feted and honoured all over again to make her "forget her three month-ordeal".

Olympic Council of Asia secretary General Randhir Singh handed back her medals – gold won in the 1500m with an Asian record and bronze in 5000m – and the diploma amidst thunderous applause from her family, fellow Asian Games medallists, Sports Minister Vikram Verma and officials of Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and Amateur Athletic Federation of India (AAFI).

A delighted Sunita, after customarily thanking all concerned, lashed out at athlete Jyotirmoyee Sikdar who had called for strictest punishment for Sunita after she tested "positive" during the September 29-October 14 Busan Asian Games last year.

"Jyotirmoyee never realised the injustice that was being meted out to an innocent fellow athlete. She forgot that it was I who in 1998 helped her win a medal," Sunita said before hastening to add she had no malice towards anyone.

Asserting that she will start her life afresh after the new lease of life given to her by the IOA and AAFI officials, Sunita said she would continue to do the country proud.

PTI