P. T. Usha

P. T. Usha is a legendary Indian athlete and public figure, widely regarded as one of the greatest track and field athletes in the country’s history. Known as the “Queen of Indian Track and Field,” she brought global recognition to Indian athletics through her performances from the 1980s onward.

Beyond sports, she has contributed to public life through institutional leadership and parliamentary responsibilities.

As of 2026, she continues to be associated with national sports administration and public service.

By Rashmi | Monday, February 2, 2026, 10:29:17 AM [IST]

P. T. Usha Biography

Pilavullakandi Thekkeparambil Usha, widely renowned as P.T. Usha is one of India's most illustrious athletes and is affectionately referred to as the "queen of track and field."

P.T. Usha was born on May 20, 1964, in Koothali, District Kozhikode, Kerala. Her parents, E.P.M. Paithal and T.V. Lakshmi, raised her amidst challenging circumstances marked by severe poverty and her health struggles. However, Usha's unwavering dedication to athletics propelled her to extraordinary heights, earning her the moniker "Payyoli Express," which means “Queen of Indian Track & Field” in the English language.

Her journey to greatness began early, as she astounded onlookers at a school race in the fourth grade by effortlessly surpassing the school champion, who was three years her senior. This remarkable feat caught the attention of authorities, leading her to become one of the inaugural students in Kerala's sport-oriented school initiative.

In 1977, her potential was recognised by O.M. Nambiar, an athletics coach, during the National School Games. Under his guidance, she rapidly progressed, showcasing her prowess by clinching six medals at the inter-state junior meet in Kollam in 1978.

Throughout the 1980s, Usha's graceful sprinting style and long strides dominated Asian track-and-field events, amassing a total of 23 medals, including an impressive 14 golds. Her legacy transcended her athletic achievements, as evidenced by her election as the president of the Indian Olympic Association in 2022.

Usha's contributions extend beyond her athletic feats. From 1982 to 2014, she served as an Officer on Special Duty for Sports at Southern Railway. Additionally, she held the position of Dean at the Physical Education Department of Kannur University, Kerala, from 2019 to 2022.

Her impact is further exemplified by the establishment of the Usha School of Athletics in 2002, aimed at empowering young women in sports and games. She continues to lead this initiative as its President.

On a personal front, Usha is married to V. Sreenivasan and is blessed with a son.

Her remarkable journey has been chronicled in various publications, including her autobiography "Golden Girl," along with several books such as "Ore Oru Usha," "P.T. Usha: the Pride of India," "Udan Pari," "P.T. Usha - A Case Study," and "P.T. Usha - The Sprint Queen," highlighting her life and achievements.

P. T. Usha Personal Life

Full Name	P. T. Usha
Date of Birth	20 May 1964 (Age 61)
Place of Birth	Koothali, Distt. Kozhikode (Kerala)
Party Name	Independent
Education
Profession	Sportsperson
Father's Name	Late E.P.M. Paithal
Mother's Name	T.V. Lakshmi
Spouse's Name	V. Sreenivasan
Spouse's Profession	Central Industrial Security Force inspector
Children	1 Son(s)

P. T. Usha Net Worth

Net Worth

₹15.49 LAKHS

ASSETS

₹19.24 LAKHS

Liabilities

₹3.75 LAKHS

Education Qualification of P. T. Usha

P.T. Usha has studied at Providence Women’s College, Calicut, Kerala.

Interesting Facts about P. T. Usha

P.T. Usha is the first woman president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) in its 95-year history and the first Olympian who is appointed IOA president.

Political Timeline of P. T. Usha

2025- 2026: Continued leadership in national sports administration and Olympic preparations.
2024: Continued leadership in national sports administration and Olympic preparations.
2023: Re-nominated to the Rajya Sabha. Member, Court of the University of Hyderabad.
2022: Nominated to Rajya Sabha. Member, Committee on Defence. Member, Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Nominated to the Panel of Vice-Chairpersons. Member, Committee on Ethics.
2019: Dean, Physical Education Department, Kannur University, Kerala, 2019-22.
2014: Senior Deputy General Manager, Southern Railway, 2014-22.
1982: Officer on Special Duty, Sports, Southern Railway, 1982-14.

P. T. Usha Early Life

1998: Asian Championships, Fukuoka (Japan), 3rd position in 200 metres, 3rd position in 400 metres, 1st position in 4 x 100 m relay and 2nd position in 4 x 400 m relay. Asian Games, Bangkok (Thailand), 6th position in 400 metres and 4th position in 4 x 100 m relay.
1994: Asian Games, Hiroshima (Japan), 4th position in 200 metres, 5th position in 4 x 100 relay and 2nd position in 4 x 400 m relay.
1990: Asian Games, Beijing (China), 4th position in 200 metres, 2nd position in 400 metres, 2nd position in 4 x 100 m relay and 2nd position in 4 x 400 m relay.
1989: Asian Championships, New Delhi (India), 2nd position in 100 metres, 1st position in 200 metres, 1st position in 400 metres, 1st position in 400 metres hurdles, 2nd position in 4 x 100 m relay and 1st position in 4 x 400 m relay.
1988: Olympic Games, Seoul (South Korea), 7th (heats) in 400-metre hurdles.
1987: Asian Championships, Singapore, 2nd position in 100 metres race, 1st position in 400 metres race, 1st position in 400 metres hurdles, 2nd position in 4 x 100 m relay and 1st position 4 x 400 m relay. World Championships, Rome (Italy), DNS in 400 metres, 6th position in 400 metres hurdles and 8th (heats) in 4 x 400 m relay.
1986: Asian Games, Seoul (South Korea), 2nd position in 100 metres race, 1st position in 200 metres race, 1st position in 400 metres race, 1st position in 400 metres hurdles and 1st position in 4 x 400 m relay.
1985: Asian Championships, Jakarta (Indonesia), 1st position in 100 metres race, 1st position in 200 metres race, 1st position in 400 metres hurdles, 3rd position in 4 × 100 m relay and 1st position in 4 x 400 m relay. World Cup, Canberra (Australia), 7th position in 400 metres race, 5th position in 400 metres hurdles and 8th position in 4 x 400 m relay.
1984: Olympic Games, Los Angeles (USA), 4th position in 400 metres hurdles and 7th position in 4 × 400 m relay.
1983: Asian Championships, Kuwait City (Kuwait), 2nd position in 200 metres race and 1st position in 400 metres race.
1982: Asian Games, New Delhi (India), 2nd position in 100 metres race and again 2nd position in 200 metres race.
1980: Olympic Games, Moscow (Russia), 5th (heats), 100 metres.

P. T. Usha Achievements

(i) Arjuna Award, 1984
(ii) Best Athlete of Asia, 1984
(iii) Padma Shri, 1985
(iv) World Railway Best Athlete, 1985
(v) World Trophy for Best Athlete, 1985
(vi) Golden Shoe for Best Athlete of Asia, 1986
(vii) World Trophy for Best Athlete, 1986
(viii) Best Athlete of Asia, 1985
(ix) Best Athlete of Asia, 1986
(x) Best Athlete of Asia, 1987
(xi) Best Athlete of Asia, 1989
(xii) Sports Woman of the Century, 2000
(xiii) Stree Ratna Award, 2005
(xiv) Honorary D. Litt. by Kannur University, Kerala, 2000
(xv) Honorary D.Sc. by IIT Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, 2017
(xvi) Honorary D. Litt. by Calicut University, Kerala, 2018
(xvii) Honorary D.Sc. by Vinayaka Medical Mission University, Salem, Tamil Nadu
(xviii) Honorary D.Sc. by Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies (VISTAS), Chennai, Tamil Nadu
(xix) Veteran Pin Award, 2019

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