Important for top athletes to take part in National Games and inspire youngsters: PT Usha

At the National Games in Delhi (1985) that PT Usha took part, the ace athlete breezed to effortless wins in all the three events she entered. She was then just 21 and turned into a champion athlete, winning four gold medals at the Asian Games a year later. Now, as president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), Usha explains why it’s important for athletes to take part in the multi-discipline sporting event.Excerpts from an exclusive interview with TOI…
Given the investment that the state has made into developing infrastructure and preparing athletes, do you think it’s important for top athletes to take part in National Games?
They should participate. The National Games have been held infrequently; sometimes after two years, sometimes six years, so the importance is lost. The National Games is very important to develop talent, and for athletes to prove themselves. We (the new IOA committee) want to raise the standard. Maybe this time, the (top) athletes will say that the Asian Games are just over, but in the future, we will make sure that they participate. Their presence is important for the upcoming players. When they participate, there will be greater awareness and importance. It’s important for the youngsters to do well.
What is your own experience at the National Games?
I remember taking part in the Delhi National Games (1985) when I won three gold medals (100m run, 400m run, 400m hurdles). For the next National Games in Kerala, I got injured while training and could not take part. Those days, not much importance was being given to the National Games. Now there is lot of publicity, plenty of importance. This is a very important competition for players. They can compete with the best (in the country) and meet players (from other disciplines). It’s like mini Olympics, mini Asian Games. Athletes can start performing well here, and then progress higher, to the elite level. It should all start here.
India won over a hundred medals at the recently-concluded Asian Games. How do you look at the performance?
I am happy that after the new IOA (committee) took charge, we won 107 medals. It’s not like the days when I was an athlete. During my days, (winning) performances were through mental power and hard work, but now the Prime Minister’s vision is to transform India into a sporting superpower. The government is providing lots of incentives. There’s foreign exposure, sports medicine, doctors, physios, while elite athletes are based abroad for exposure. It’s good governance from the federations too. The results are because the IOA, federations and government are working together.
Are you hopeful of a better show at next year’s Olympics?
I am happy that India won medals at the Asian Games, but many have come from non-Olympic events. The sportspersons are now motivated, and if we maintain the same tempo, we will do well.
Neeraj Chopra won India’s first track and field gold at the Olympics in Tokyo. Do you see any other athlete winning a medal?
There’s hope. Athletes are doing well in jumps and throws, though not in running events. I don’t have a name to give you at the moment. Maybe in some other Olympics (after Paris 2024).
The Prime Minister announced that India is keen to host the Olympics in 2036…
There’s big interest in sports now and the Prime Minister has already said India is keen on the Olympics. We should also ensure that we win more medals. Everyone in Mumbai were happy that the IOC Session happened here.