Kiren Rijiju announced that PT Usha has been elected president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). The announcement was made on Twitter by India’s Minister of Law and Justice, who congratulated the legendary Indian athlete. Kiren Rijiju announced on Twitter that “Congratulations to legendary Golden Girl, Smt. P T Usha on being elected as the President of the 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.”
PT Usha is the first female president of the IOA. Usha announced her intention to run for IOA president on November 26. While the election was scheduled for December 10, The Payyoli Express was the only candidate, and thus won the election for the top position in the sports organization.
Congratulations to legendary Golden Girl, Smt. P T 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! Nation is proud of them ! pic.twitter.com/LSHHdmMy9H
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) November 27, 2022
PT Usha is one of India’s most accomplished athletes, having won 11 medals, including four gold, at the Asian Games between 1982 and 1994. At the Seoul Asan Games in 1986, she won four gold medals in the 200 metre, 400 metre, 400 metre hurdles, and 4 x 400 relay. She also won silver in the 100 meters.
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The deadline for submitting nomination papers for the IOA elections was November 27. Umesh Sinha, the returning officer for the IOA elections, reported that no other nominations for any positions had been made since the process began on November 25.
With the warm support of my Fellow Athletes and National Federations I am humbled and honoured to accept and file for the Nomination of the President Of IOA!
— P.T. USHA (@PTUshaOfficial) November 26, 2022
The 58-year-old, who won numerous gold medals at the Asian Games and finished fourth in the 400-meter hurdles final at the 1984 Olympics, submitted her presidential candidacy papers on November 27 along with her team for the various positions.