New Delhi: The legendary PT Usha was on Saturday elected as the first woman president of Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
The 58-year-old Usha, a multiple Asian Games gold medallist and fourth place finisher in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics 400m hurdles final, was declared elected unopposed for the top post in the polls as she was the lone candidate to file the nomination for IOA president’s post.
The elections were held under the supervision of Supreme Court-appointed retired SC judge L Nageswara Rao.
Similarly, Ajay Patel of National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has been elected unopposed as senior vice-president. Olympic medallist shooter Gagan Narang and Rowing Federation of India president Rajlaxmi Singh Deo have been elected unopposed as vice presidents.
Meanwhile, Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWF) president Sahdev Yadav has been elected the treasurer. All India Football Federation (AIFF) president and former goalkeeper Kalyan Chaubey has been elected unopposed as the joint secretary (male).
One of the most accomplished athletes from India, PT Usha has won 11 medals, including four gold, at the Asian Games between 1982 and 1994. She won four gold medals at the Seoul Asan Games in 1986 in the 200 metre, 400 metre, 400 metre hurdles, and 4 x 400 relay. She also took home a silver in the 100 metre.
