P. T. Usha, the "Sprint Queen" of Indian athletics, won numerous medals in Asian and international sports throughout her career. Usha, who set Olympic and national records, is now also active in sports administration and politics.
P. T. Usha: Pilavullakandi Thekkeparambil Usha, commonly known as P. T. Usha, is an inspiring figure in Indian sports history. She was born on June 27, 1964, near Kothali, Parambra, Kerala. Usha grew up in Payyoli. From childhood, she displayed a deep fascination for sports and a remarkable ability to run fast. Active in Indian athletics since 1979, Usha brought international acclaim to the country through her talent.
Usha is revered as the "Queen" of Indian track and field. She secured a total of four gold and seven silver medals at the Asian Games. Her achievements and dedication to sports made her famous not only in the country but also across Asia and worldwide.
Early Life and Education
In 1976, the Kerala state government established a sports department for women, and in 1977, Usha began training under the guidance of coach O. M. Nambiar. Nambiar first saw Usha at a sports awards ceremony and decided to train her after observing her quick pace and agile build.
In 1978, she won six medals at the Junior Inter-State Meet — four gold (100m, 200m, 60m hurdles, high jump), one silver (long jump), and one bronze (4 x 100m relay). In the same year, she won 14 medals at the Kerala State College Meet. She set several records at the 1979 National Games and the 1980 National Inter-State Meet.
Her first international competition was the "Quaid-e-Azam" Invitational Competition held in Karachi, Pakistan, in 1980, where she won four gold medals.
National and International Achievements
In 1981, at the Senior Inter-Country Meet in Bangalore, Usha set national records in the 100m (11.6 seconds) and 200m (24.8 seconds). At the 1982 New Delhi Asian Games, she won silver medals in both the 100m and 200m.
In 1983, at the Open National Championships in Jamshedpur, she set new national records in the 200m and 400m. In the same year, at the Kuwait City Asian Championships, she won a gold medal in the 400m.
1984 Los Angeles Olympics
At the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, Usha made history representing India. In the 400m hurdles, she completed the heats in 56.81 seconds, the semi-finals in 55.94 seconds, and the final in 55.42 seconds, finishing fourth. This performance is considered a milestone in Indian sports history.
Dominance in Asian Games and Championships
At the 1985 Jakarta Asian Championships, Usha won six medals — five gold and one bronze. She delivered outstanding performances in the 100m (11.64), 200m (23.005), 400m (52.52), and 400m hurdles (56.64). At the 1986 Seoul Asian Games, she secured a silver medal in the 100m and gold medals in the 200m, 400m, and 4 x 400m relay.
During her career, P. T. Usha won 13 gold medals at Asian Track and Field Meets from 1983 to 1989. Her performance at the 1985 Jakarta Championships is recorded as the most gold medals won in a single Asian Championships event.
Retirement and Sports Administration
Usha retired from her active sports career in 2000. Subsequently, she began taking on administrative roles in Indian sports. In 2022, she was elected president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), winning the position unopposed. She is the first female president.
Political Career
Usha's political career is also notable. In July 2022, she was nominated as a Member of Parliament to the Rajya Sabha by the President of India. In December 2022, she was included in the Vice-Chairperson's panel of the Rajya Sabha, becoming the first nominated MP to hold this position. On February 8, 2023, she also presided over the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha.
Contributions and Social Work
P. T. Usha currently chairs the committee of the Indian Talent Organisation, which organizes national-level competitions in schools across India. She has initiated several new endeavors in the fields of sports and education and has worked to inspire young people.
Personal Philosophy
Usha has always stated that her goal was not merely to become an Olympian. She constantly motivated herself to surpass her previous achievements and perform better. She believed that competition should only be with oneself, not with others.
Honors and Legacy
Usha has been bestowed with numerous awards and honors by the Government of India and the international sports community. She received the Arjuna Award, Padma Shri, and many other national and international accolades. Her achievements brought global recognition to Indian athletics and became a source of inspiration for young people.
P. T. Usha's life is an example not only of sports but also of leadership, administration, and social service. She gave Indian women a new identity in the field of sports and emphasized the importance of dedication and discipline towards sports. Her contributions made her the pride of India and the Sprint Queen of Asian Games.
P. T. Usha's story demonstrates that with hard work, discipline, and dedication, any challenge can be overcome. Her journey, from a small-town girl to the 'Queen' of the country's track and field, then becoming the president of sports administration and Vice-Chairperson in Parliament, is truly inspiring. P. T. Usha is not only a great athlete in Indian sports but also a source of inspiration for the younger generation.
