PT Usha’s birth, childhood and first connection with athletics
PT Usha’s full name is Pilavullakandi Thekkeparambil Usha. She was born on 27 June 1964 in a small village called Meladi-Payyoli in Kerala. From childhood she had a natural talent for athletics. Her family background was simple, but PT Usha never gave up. She got a scholarship from the Kerala government at the age of 12. That became the first official step in her journey.
During the National School Games, coach O.M. Nambiar saw her talent. He trained Usha and from there her serious career began. Since she studied in Payyoli town, people started calling her the ‘Payyoli Express’.
PT Usha surprised everyone by making Olympic debut at age 16
In 1980 during the Moscow Olympics, Usha represented India. At that time, she was only 16 years old. She was the youngest Indian sprinter to run in the Olympics. She did not win a medal that time but caught the attention of the entire country.
In the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics PT Usha ran in the 400 meter hurdles final. She missed the bronze medal by just 1/100 second. That moment was emotional but after that she made an even stronger comeback.
PT Usha ruled Asian Championships and Asian Games
In 1983 during the Asian Championships, Usha won one gold and one silver medal. In the 1985 Jakarta Asian Championships, she won six medals including five gold. In the 1986 Seoul Asian Games, PT Usha won four gold medals.
In her entire career, Usha won a total of 14 gold medals in Asian Championships and more than 100 medals at national and international level. Her name became a powerful identity in the world of Asian athletics.
Even after retirement, Usha never stayed away from athletics
Even after leaving the race track Usha fully focused on training new athletes. In Kerala, she started the Usha School of Athletics. Here, she trains young girls who want to run at the professional level. Her goal is to give every girl a platform where she can also fulfil her dream like Usha did.
Usha also made history in Indian Olympic Association and Rajya Sabha
In 2022 PT Usha became the first woman to be President of the Indian Olympic Association. This was the first time an Olympian took the top position in IOA. One year later in 2023, PT Usha was nominated to the Rajya Sabha. After sports, she decided to serve the country through politics too.
PT Usha is an example for every girl who dreams big
Usha’s journey is a perfect example that with dedication no goal is impossible. Her entire life is a proof of discipline, hard work and determination. She proved herself at every stage and made India proud in the world. Even today, her name inspires people and she is a real-life hero for new athletes.
PT Usha is not just a name, she is a story. A girl who came from a small village in Kerala and became a sports icon of the country. From the Olympic ground to the Parliament floor, every step she took became history. She showed that a real champion is one who stands behind their dreams in every phase. Usha’s story still teaches every new athlete one thing, those who run never stop.
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