Saaachi Baat Special
In her hey days, she was known as the sprint queen. Now, well past her running days as a sprinter and quarter-miler, plus hurdler, legend PT Usha heads the Indian Olympic Association. In a chat with Saachi Baat, Usha spoke on how Indian athletes are gearing up for the Paris Olympics, beginning July 26.
To have an athlete heading the IOA is indeed big, as they bring in enormous experience. Usha has been a legend who won 103 international medals in her career, then took to coaching and mentoring and is now an active politician. Yet, her heart is in sports and how athletes can be in the best frame of mind for Paris 2024.
“It is a joint effort but we have to ensure the athletes are in best shape, physically, mentally and have all access to modern sports systems. I am very confident the best doctors, physios, nutritionists and conditioning experts will optimise the performance of the Indians,” she said.
Usha does not want to predict medals which India will win but she spoke of how the Government of India is taking huge interest. “Our respected Prime Minister, Narendra Modiji is giving best support and facilities to all the athletes. He has ensured that India will back all its athletes and people know how when he interacted with the athletes recently, they were excited,” said Usha.
Indeed, the IOA President commands respect from one and all because of her stature. To deal with National Sports Federations and also deal with requests from the athletes, she has been hands on, literally. At heart, she is still an athlete and is sad that Jisna Matthew is not in the team for Paris. It is not in track and field alone she is taking interest. As she said recently, to have an Olympian and medallist, Gagan Narang, as chef de mission for Paris 2024 is a sign of respect athletes get today.
For the record, Usha is also a Rajya Sabha Member.
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