P.T. Usha, often referred to as the Queen of Indian Track and Field, was awarded the Veteran Pin by World Athletics (formerly known as the IAAF) on 24 September 2019. This prestigious recognition came as a testament to her extraordinary contribution to athletics and her role in shaping Indian athletics over the years.
The Veteran Pin is given to athletes who have made extraordinary contributions to the sport of athletics and have left a lasting legacy. It is a symbol of recognition for athletes who have not only excelled in their sport but have also inspired generations to come. P.T. Usha was awarded this pin in recognition of her stellar career and her impact on athletics both in India and internationally.
P.T. Usha is one of India’s most celebrated track and field athletes. She rose to prominence in the 1980s, particularly in the sprint events and hurdles.
She became the first Indian woman to make a mark in the international athletics scene, especially with her performances in Asian Games and Asian Championships.
1986 Asian Games (Seoul, South Korea): Usha won four gold medals, making her one of the most decorated athletes in the Asian Games. She also won a silver in the 100m race and a bronze in the 200m race in that year.
1984 Los Angeles Olympics: Usha came very close to winning an Olympic medal when she finished 4th in the 400m hurdles final by a narrow margin of 1/100th of a second. This remains one of her most iconic and heartbreaking performances, but it also solidified her place in the annals of Indian athletics.
Multiple Asian Championships Medals: Usha also won numerous medals in the Asian Championships, further cementing her reputation as one of the top sprinters and hurdlers in Asia.
P.T. Usha was not only an athlete of exceptional talent but also a role model for women in sports, especially in India. She played a significant role in breaking barriers for women in athletics and inspiring future generations of athletes.
She is widely regarded as the greatest female athlete India has ever produced and has been a source of inspiration to many Indian athletes, including Dutee Chand, Hima Das, and others.
The Veteran Pin is a highly prestigious accolade from World Athletics (formerly the IAAF), and being presented this award is a recognition of an athlete’s outstanding contribution to the sport.
By awarding the Veteran Pin to P.T. Usha, World Athletics acknowledged her not just for her competitive achievements but for her contribution to the sport and for being a trailblazer in Indian track and field.
After retiring from competitive athletics, P.T. Usha has been actively involved in coaching and mentoring young athletes. She has worked tirelessly to help develop young talent through the Usha School of Athletics in Kerala, where she has trained aspiring athletes to compete at both national and international levels.
The Veteran Pin presented to P.T. Usha in 2019 also serves as a recognition of her lifetime achievements, and it further solidified her status as one of the greatest Indian athletes in history.
The award is not only a personal achievement for Usha but also a moment of pride for Indian athletics, showcasing India’s rich history in track and field sports.
The presentation of the Veteran Pin by World Athletics to P.T. Usha on 24 September 2019 marked the recognition of her remarkable athletic legacy and her role as an ambassador of Indian athletics. This honor acknowledged her incredible contributions to the sport, both as an athlete and as a coach, and solidified her place as one of India’s greatest sporting icons.
