Which player is the first women president of the Indian Olympic Association?

Asked 14-Mar-2023
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Which player is the first women president of the Indian Olympic Association?


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 P.T. Usha, a legendary Indian athlete and a multiple Asian Games gold medallist, made history by becoming the first woman president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on December 10, 2022. Her election was uncontested and held under the supervision of retired SC judge L Nageswara Rao, who was appointed by the Supreme Court to oversee the IOA polls.

Usha, also known as the 'Payyoli Express,' is an iconic figure in Indian athletics, having represented the country for two decades and earning numerous medals. Her fourth-place finish in the 400m hurdles final at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics was a highlight of her career and made her a household name in India.

Her appointment as the IOA president marked the end of a long-standing crisis in the organization, which has been mired in factionalism and political interference for years. Given her nomination as a Rajya Sabha member in July, Usha's emergence as the sole candidate for the top post was not surprising.

Many see Usha's appointment as IOA president as a positive step towards promoting gender equality in sports. She is the first woman to hold this position in the IOA's 95-year-old history, and the first sportsperson to become IOA chief since Maharaja Yadavindra Singh, who played a Test match in 1934.

Usha's appointment is a significant milestone in the history of Indian sports administration. Her dedication to the sport and her inspiring journey from a small village in Kerala to the world stage has made her a role model for many young athletes in India.

Usha's journey to the top of Indian athletics was not easy. She grew up in a family of modest means in the village of Payyoli in Kerala, where she began running barefoot on the beach. Her talent was quickly recognized, and she was selected for the Kerala State Athletics Association's training camp. Usha's potential was soon evident, and she quickly rose to prominence in the national and international athletics scene.

In addition to her Asian Games medals, Usha has also won numerous Commonwealth Games medals and has been honored with the prestigious Arjuna Award, the Padma Shri, and the Padma Bhushan for her contributions to Indian athletics. She has also been a vocal advocate for improving sports infrastructure and facilities in India, especially in rural areas, to provide better opportunities for young athletes.

Usha's appointment as IOA president is expected to usher in a new era in Indian sports administration. She has promised to prioritize the development of sports infrastructure, improve the selection process for national teams, and ensure transparency and accountability in the IOA's functioning. Her appointment is also seen as a positive step towards promoting gender equality in sports, a cause that Usha has championed throughout her career.

In conclusion, P.T. Usha's appointment as the first female president of the IOA is a significant milestone in the history of Indian sports administration. Her inspiring journey from a small village in Kerala to the world stage has made her a role model for many young athletes in India. Her appointment is expected to bring about much-needed reforms and transparency in the IOA's functioning and promote gender equality in sports.

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