Ace athlete PT Usha is crowned as first woman IOA President
She was the lone candidate in the fray on Nov. 27, the last day for nominations
Bengaluru: Legendary athlete PT Usha has been elected as the President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
“Congratulations to legendary Golden Girl, PT Usha on being elected as the President of Indian Olympic Association. I also congratulate all the sporting heroes of our country on becoming the office bearers of the prestigious IOA! The nation is proud of them!” Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju tweeted.
The multiple Asian Games gold medalist also became the first woman president of the IOA in the process.
Usha had emerged as the lone candidate for the post ahead of the IOA elections on December 10 as no other candidate filed the nomination to challenge her.
Yesterday was the last day of the nominations.
Usha is the most celebrated athlete in India as she has won 11 medals including four golds in the Asian Games from 1982 and 1994.
She also won four gold in the 1986 Seoul Asian Games in 200m, 400m, 400m hurdles and 4x400m relay, and also claimed silver in 100m.
Usha also won 100m and 200m medals in the 1982 New Delhi Asian Games.
She almost won a medal in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics in the 400m hurdles final, but lost to Cristieana Cojocaru of Romania by one hundredth of a second. (UNI)