Sports Desk: PT Usha, the legendary former Indian track and field athlete has become the new chief of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
On Saturday (December 10) she became the first woman to be the president of the IOA.
Famously known as the Payyoli Express, Usha is one of the finest athletes from the soil of India. She came into the national limelight during the late 70’s and early 80’s when she broke multiple national records. In fact, at the age of 16 she became the youngest athelete to represent India at the Olympics.
During the Los Angles Olympics in 1984, she missed a bronze medal only by a few inches after she finished fourth in the 100 meter finals.
After retiring as an athlete, Usha kept working to help other athletes of the country as a coach and sports administrator. Later in her career, she also joined politics and was nominated as the member of the Upper House in 2022.
Viewing her new responsibility, Usha thanked her well wishers and said that she is well aware about the pain of athletes and coaches and most importantly the ‘role of a true admin’.
She also added that she looks forward to upholding the Olympic values and making India a global powerhouse in sports.