PT Usha, the first Indian
woman to reach the final of an Olympic event recalls her Olympic memories and experiences. Usha also talks about India’s chances to win a medal in athletics.
Q. The legendary Milkha Singh, and you have been India’s best performers in the Olympics. Tell us about your experience in Los Angeles in 1984?
A. Looking back, I feel it was a great performance as it wasn’t long since I had taken to the 400m and the 400m hurdles. I concentrated on both only after the 1982 Asian Games. I had not competed in many an International Event in the 400m hurdles in the buildup to the Los Angeles Olympics. So I lacked the international exposure. Had I been privileged enough to have a feel what international meets are all about, I’m sure, I wouldn’t have returned empty-handed from Los Angeles.
Q. What are your greatest memories of your legendary career?
A. Many! The 1985 Asian Track and Field will always stay special to me as I won the Gold Medal in all the events I participated. The 1986 Asian Games also stay close to by heart. The sole regret stays missing out on the Olympic Medal in 1984. It was within my reach.
Q. After your exploits, especially between 1984 and 1986, all had felt you would have a cakewalk in the 1988 Olympics. What went wrong?
A. Expectations will always buildup when a certain athlete is winning all in which she is competing. I won’t say, I didn’t think about it at all, but unfortunately, injuries played spoilsport. I kept getting injured at crucial moments after 1986 and just couldn’t reach my peak for the 1988 Olympics.
Q. You have been coaching Tintu Luka for some years now. What are her prospects?
A. A lot has changed over the years. Things have improved. I have been able to give Tintu some international exposure prior to coming to London. I wish I could have given her a few more races, but I think we are well prepared. I hope she makes us proud.
Q. Tintu was a very good 400m sprinter. But why did you switch her to the 800m?
A. While Tintu was a good 400mtr runner, I realised she could not reach World Standards in that event.
We are looking to realise her best and not be satisfied with just medals in the 4x400m relay. I sincerely believe Tintu can win India an Olympics Medal.
Q. 14 Athletes have qualified this time do u think Indian athletes could win a medal?
A. It seems unlikely that India will win an athletics medal, but this time there will be a couple of them that will reach the finals and few may better national records.
This I think will be a good achievement. Vikas Gowda in men’s discus Krishna Poonia in women’s discus should reach the finals, and I hope Tintu and Sudha Singh set national records
Q. Kerala has given India some of their best athletes in its history why have other states not done as well?
A. Kerala I think has taken its organization of sports very seriously and follow a disciplined approach.
When you travel to national meets at schools level university or national, the teams are turned out the best and always very disciplined. Doing the basics well has helped the athletes to aim high.
Q. Why do you think China has managed such rapid progress?
A. I think the major reason is their systematic planning and commitment to the welfare of sportspersons has helped them make progress.