From the dusty tracks of Payyoli in Kerala to the global stage of the Olympics, my journey has been one of perseverance, passion, and an unwavering belief in the power of sports. As a young girl running barefoot with dreams far bigger than her reality, the role President of the Indian Olympic Association is one I hold with immense pride and responsibility.
My early years as an athlete were defined by struggle—limited resources, lack of exposure, and minimal infrastructure. Yet, with every race, I learned resilience. More than the medals and achievements, it was the journey that shaped me.
From athlete to coach, and now as President of IOA, I have always believed that sports can transform lives. When I assumed this role, my vision was clear: to create a sporting ecosystem that supports athletes from grassroots to global excellence. I wanted to ensure that no young athlete feels the isolation or limitations that many of my generation faced.
With exceptional talent on display at National Games, to our best ever Asian Games campaign with 107 medals at the last edition, and the incredible effort in Paris, we have taken significant strides.
Beyond medals, our vision is deeply rooted in the future. With the Youth Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games and Asian Games in 2026, we look to welcome the commonwealth nations to Amdavad in 2030. While we follow this vision, we look forward to working towards welcoming the world in the future for an Olympic Games in our country.
All of this aligns with the larger national vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) 2047—where sports is not an afterthought but a core pillar of development. Sports teaches discipline, unity, and excellence—values that mirror our national aspirations.
As I reflect on my own journey—from a determined athlete to leading India’s Olympic movement—I remain deeply committed to nurturing the next generation. I see myself in every young girl training on rural tracks, every boy dreaming beyond his village, and every athlete giving their all for the tricolour.
– Dr P.T. Usha
(President, Indian Olympic Association)
