In a momentous ceremony held at the National Sports Club of India in New Delhi, legendary sprinter and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president P.T. Usha was conferred with the prestigious ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award by the Sports Journalists Federation of India (SJFI) and the Delhi Sports Journalists Association (DSJA). The event, graced by Guest of Honors Rajeev Shukla, Member of Parliament – Rajya Sabha and Vice President of BCCI, and former Indian shooter Jaspal Rana, marked a fitting tribute to Usha’s remarkable contribution to Indian athletics.
Usha, often hailed as the “Queen of Indian Track and Field,” received a medallion, a citation, and a memento in recognition of her stellar sporting career. This honor makes her the fifth recipient of the esteemed SJFI and DSJA ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award, joining the illustrious company of tennis legend Vijay Amritraj, former badminton icon Prakash Padukone, India’s cricketing maestro Sunil Gavaskar, and former sprinter Milkha Singh.
The ceremony highlighted Usha’s extraordinary journey in the world of athletics, spanning from 1977 to 2000. Throughout this period, she brought glory to the nation by winning an impressive total of 103 international medals. Among her numerous accolades, Usha claimed four Gold Medals and seven Silver medals in the Asian Games, showcasing her dominance in the region. Her indomitable spirit and dedication were further evident as she competed across three editions of the Olympics, leaving an indelible mark on the global stage.
As the president of the IOA, Usha continues to be a guiding force in Indian sports, inspiring the next generation of athletes. The recognition bestowed upon her by the SJFI and DSJA serves as a testament to the enduring impact of her achievements and the legacy she has crafted for Indian athletics.
In attendance at the event, Guest of Honors Rajeev Shukla and Jaspal Rana acknowledged P.T. Usha’s unparalleled contributions to Indian sports, emphasizing her role as a trailblazer and an inspiration for aspiring athletes across the nation.
In honoring P.T. Usha with the ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award, the SJFI and DSJA not only celebrate an exceptional athlete but also pay tribute to a living legend whose dedication, passion, and achievements have left an indelible mark on the rich tapestry of Indian sports.
