Former sprint queen and current President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) P.T. Usha was on Friday honoured with the FICCI Lifetime Achievement Award for her extraordinary contribution to Indian sport, inspiring generations of athletes.Usha, also known as ‘Payyoli Express’ was presented with the honour at the FICCI TURF 2025 – the 15th Global Sports Summit.
Receiving the award Usha said, “Indian sport rises when we rise together. Talent exists in every corner of the country, but opportunity must reach every child. Our focus must remain on the athlete: clear pathways, strong systems, fair selections and support rooted in science, nutrition and mental strength.”
“India is full of young dreamers, and it is our responsibility to ensure their dreams matter. With global partnerships, especially with countries like Australia, and with disciplined governance at every level, we can shape a new generation of champions. This is how athletes rise, and this is how a nation rises through sport,” she said.The summit opened this morning at Federation House, New Delhi, bringing together leaders from government, sport, industry and diplomacy to chart India’s next decade of sporting progress.<>
