FORMER SPRINT QUEEN PT USHA BECOMES IOA PRESIDENT

Former Indian athlete PT Usha became the new President of the Indian Olympic Association on December 10 – as well as its first female leader.

The 58-year-old Usha is recognised as a phenom in Indian athletics and came on to the scene as a sprinter and hurdler during the 1980s.

Later, she became active as a coach and a member of sports administration and was nominated as a Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament in 2022 by the central government.

Nicknamed the “Queen of Indian Track and Field”, Usha was elected unopposed to become the first female President of the IOA as well as the first Olympian.

Accepting the magnitude of the task ahead, she posted on social media: “Humbled and touched by all the messages over the last few days over my election as the President of the IOA.

“Through the experiences of my journey I know very well the value of this post. I feel the pain of an athlete, and that of a coach. Above all, about the role of a true admin.

“I look forward to upholding the Olympic values and working with national and international sporting federations to ensure India propels forward in our quest of being a global sporting powerhouse.”

Her election attracted hundreds of messages of congratulations from all walks of society, and dreams that her success on the track could lead to better results across the board for India’s elite athletes.

“Thank you for all the messages of support and good wishes. Looking forward to the times ahead,” she added.

Full name: Pilavullakandi Thekkeparampil Usha

Date of Birth: June 27, 1964

Age: 58

Place of Birth: Koothali village, Kozhikode district, Kerala.

Sport: Athletics

Nickname: Golden Girl, Payyoli Express

Career highlights

Olympic Games, Los Angeles 1984: Aged 20, she finished fourth in the 400m hurdles, missing a medal by 1/100th of a second. Her time of 55.42 seconds remains a national record.

Asian Games, Seoul 1986: Four gold medals in 200m, 400m, 400m hurdles and 4x400m relay.

Asian Athletics Championships, Jakarta

1985:

Five gold medals in 100m, 200m, 400m, 400m hurdles and 4x400m relay.

Retired from competition: 2000

Website: http://www.ptusha.org