New Delhi, India, December 12, 2022: Newly-elected President of the Indian Olympic Association, P.T. Usha, has pledged to work closely with international and national sporting bodies in a bid to make India a “global sporting powerhouse”.
Soon after being elected unopposed on Saturday, December 10, the first woman President of the Indian Olympic Association, Usha tweeted: “I look forward to upholding the Olympic values and working with national and international sporting federations to ensure India propels forward in our quest of being a global sporting powerhouse.”
The legendary Indian sprint star wrote that she was “humbled and touched by all the messages over the last few days over my election as the President of the IOA.”
She continued: “Through the experiences of my own journey I know very well the value of this post. I feel the pain of an athlete, and that of a coach, above all, about role of a true admin.”
The 58-year-old Usha’s ascendancy to the top IOA job was a foregone conclusion as she was the lone candidate. She is the first Olympian and first international medallist to head the IOA in its 95-year-old history.
“Heartfelt thanks to my team for their unconditional trust and support,” added the legendary 400m sprint star, winner of four gold medals and seven silver medals at the Asian Games.
