New Delhi, Apr 2 (IANS): In a major boost to Indian athletics, the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) Tuesday ratified the gold medal for Indian long jump ace Anju Bobby George at the World Athletics Championship held at Monte Carlo in 2005.

Anju, who had to settle for the silver, got the gold following the disqualification of Russia's Tatyana Kotova after she failed a dope test in January. Tatyana had won the gold with a leap of 6.83 metres while Anju was second with 6.75 metres.

Anju is now the first and the only Indian athlete to win a gold medal in world athletics final. The Indian star had previously won a bronze medal in the 2003 World Championship and has a gold in the Asian Games and Asian Championship and a bronze in the Commonwealth Games.

Anju was overwhelmed on winning the gold and expressed her gratitude to all the fans of Indian athletics, her coach and the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) for their support.

"It's a great privilege for Indian athletics and I am humbled with the gold medal. As an Indian athlete, I'm indebted to my fans, coaches and the Athletic Federation of India for all their support," said Anju.

AFI president Adille Sumariwalla lauded the Indian star on her historic achievement.

"We are extremely proud that Anju has been awarded the gold medal in the prestigious World Athletics Final. This is a historic occasion for the entire country and the Indian athletics fraternity," said Sumariwalla.