The decision on triple jumper Renjith Maheswary’s pending Arjuna Award will be taken on Wednesday, said secretary sports P.K. Deb here.
The Athletics Federation of India had on Monday night submitted a detailed report on Maheswary, who had been caught doping during the national open athletics championships in Kochi in 2008 leading to a three-month suspension.
The AFI, however, cleared the athlete of all charges saying that Maheswary had never been punished for a dope offence, and was only suspended pending inquiry. The Kerala athlete had taken a medicine containing efidrene, a decongestant drug, following a doctor’s prescription.
Said Deb, “A decision is expected tomorrow. Sports minister Jitendra Singh had been busy in meetings, and it is unlikely that we will reach a conclusion today.”
Meanwhile, V.S. Surekha, India pole vaulter and Maheswary’s wife, said the family were waiting eagerly to know the decision.
“The AFI has cleared his name, but we are still in the dark about the final decision. It has been a stressful period for us. We were expecting a positive response from the sports ministry today, but don’t know why it has been delayed.”
Hours before he was to be presented the Arjuna Award on August 31, Maheswary was told that he would have to wait for the honour till the completion of an inquiry.