The Hindu : Usha wants an Indian on 2008 Olympic podium

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Mar 18, 2002

Sport

Sport - Athletics

Usha wants an Indian on 2008 Olympic podium
By S. R. Suryanarayan

CHENNAI, MARCH 17. Five days at Palakkad as officer on special duty with Southern Railway and two days at her own `Usha School of Athletics' in Quilandy make it a tight programme, week after week for P.T. Usha, a name that used to be synonymous with Indian athletics.

``It is tough but I like it,'' said the stout-hearted lady, who right through her career was known for her hard work and toil.

The toil did fetch her dividends. In fact as she admitted as a chief guest at a function in the city on Saturday, ``I became P. T. Usha from mere Usha only because of my efforts in athletics.''

Nearly three years now, after she last ran a competitive race, the once first lady of Indian athletics prepares for a new challenge, that of making her school of athletics, an institution which will help her realise that one elusive dream of her 23 year athletics career - an Olympic medal for the country.

The anxiety on her face is perceptible for there is so much to be done but not one bit has she lost her confidence, that one factor which had fortified her immense talent. ``If I have been considered to have had extraordinary talent then it should be possible for me to bring out the best from the specially selected pupils in my school,'' explains Usha in a conversation. ``Get an Indian on the victory podium by 2008 Olympic Games'' says the brochure on the school and Usha qualifies it ``I am sure in the next ten years at least.''

For one who through her experience believes that what hampered athletes and coaches in the country in her times was good facility, Usha is assured that the Quilandy school, about 21 km from Kozhikode and about 10km from her home in Payyoli would never lack in the most modern facilities. As they say good deeds always attract goodwill and in Usha's case support has been coming from near and far though she still is hesitant, considering the huge budget of her pet project (Rs.33 crore), to say all is well.

``I know my fans are there in joining me to make this Olympic endeavour of mine a big success and that is the belief on which I am laying faith,'' she says.

Her husband, Srinivasan, who is helping her in the management, said that the school has been registered as a charitable institution and as such donations to it immediately attracts income tax exemption under section 80 G.

Already Srinivasan explained that the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, has agreed to provide all assistance with regard to management matters. Similarly the Central Institute of Food Technology has come forward to take care of the diet matters of the young athletes.

A Gulf based organisation has promised assistance for building a hostel and gym. A modern scientific lab is another offering.

The Kerala Government itself has announced a sizeable grant and going by the promises of various other sources, Usha can restrict her worry on bringing up her wards. But then as they say, things should fall in place from time to time.

Next month the school will make a beginning with a two-week coaching camp for 25 specially selected 11-13 year talent from a pool of over 400 participants from various southern states. O.M. Nambiar, her former mentor was himself in attendance during the selection, Srinivasan said.

By June when the new academic year begins, the school will have ten or 15 pupils who will have all expenses met schooling. Former Olympians like Suresh Babu, T.C. Yohannan and Shiny Wilson are likely to be associated with the Schools's training programme.

Forthright views have been Usha's strength and in some cases weakness too. But she had a point when she felt that foreign coaches would be meaningful in India only if they are meant for juniors and those up and coming. ``Can techniques be changed for someone in her or his twenties,'' she asked, though the great lady was not decided on whether there would be any foreign links with her School. ``I have not written to any of my contemporaries abroad about this school,'' she said. On drugs, a burning problems in athletics, Usha was clear, ``I have no problem because I have never been through it.

Since it is my school I am definite the wards under me too will not have any problem,'' she said.

For Indian athletics then a new chapter is about to start and appropriately under the very woman who had raised Indian image in International athletics in her time. Recently honoured with a doctorate from Kannur University, Dr. Usha is ready...

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