P.T. Usha hopes to put Indian Olympic Association in Top 10 by 2032 Olympics

Interview/ P.T. Usha, president, Indian Olympic Association

Amid the Ram Navami festivities in Delhi, P.T. Usha was overseeing the relocation of her office to the sixth floor of Olympic Bhawan. She enthusiastically highlighted “the benefits of the increased natural lighting and the uplifting ambience of the new setting”.The IOA has secured sponsorship funding of approximately Rs50 crore―double the support received during the Tokyo Olympics.

Usha assumed the presidency of the Indian Olympic Association a year and a half ago, during a turbulent time in Indian sports. And despite the challenges and objections from within the organisation, she has confronted each issue head-on. In an exclusive interview with THE WEEK, she offered insights into the intricacies of Indian sports and detailed the country’s preparations for the Paris Olympics. Excerpts:

Q\ What are your aspirations for the Paris Olympics?

A\ This time, the groundwork began several months in advance, ensuring that there is no cause for concern. A sprawling 40,000sqft facility, India House, is being established in Paris with the backing of the Reliance Foundation. All travel and lodging details have been meticulously planned. The renowned sports medicine expert Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala has been appointed as the team’s chief medical officer.

For the first time, the team will be accompanied by a mental health specialist and a sleep consultant, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the preparations. The request to provide Indian cuisine to the athletes has been met to a certain degree, with efforts under way to supply staples such as dal and roti. An expert nutritionist is working closely with the athletes. Additionally, a fully equipped 600sqft physiotherapy centre offering services like ice baths and laser therapy has been established.

Q\ Has there been interest from top companies in sponsoring the Indian Olympic team?

A\ For the first time, the IOA has secured sponsorship funding of approximately Rs50 crore―double the support received during the Tokyo Olympics. This surge in sponsorship is largely attributed to the initiatives undertaken by the newly appointed CEO (Raghuram lyer).

Following the takeover by the new IOA governing body, the International Olympic Committee mandated the appointment of a CEO within two months. However, this position remained vacant for more than a year, leading to pressure from the IOC. Eventually, the CEO role was filled, following strict procedures. The selection process involved a panel comprising the IOA president, an IOC member, and the chairman of the Athletes’ Commission. IOC guidelines required the CEO to be a corporate figure with an internationally competitive salary. After a rigorous selection process from a pool of numerous candidates, Raghuram Iyer was chosen.

Q\ What are your thoughts on the current doping-related issues?

A\ India’s placement as second in the 2022 World Anti-Doping Agency report has raised concerns. Efforts are underway to educate athletes and their coaches on the matter. Workshops will be conducted before the Paris Olympics, covering various topics such as health, conduct in Paris and the overall wellbeing of the athletes.

Q\ Have you found a replacement for Mary Kom?

A\ Mary Kom has resigned from her position as chef de mission for personal reasons, and an announcement about her successor is expected shortly. I believe it is crucial to incorporate diverse perspectives, especially in an organisation as significant as the IOA, which stands at the pinnacle of sports administration in our country.

Our primary aim should be to achieve excellence in our athletes, an objective I wholeheartedly pursue. My approach extends beyond merely executing decisions made by the IOA’s governing body and its president. For prestigious events like the Asian Games or the Olympics, the aspiration is to appoint esteemed figures as chef de mission. In line with this, Gagan Narang, a fellow executive council member, has been tasked with overseeing our shooters.

Q\ What is the medal tally India is aiming for in Paris?

A\ We are avoiding specifying an exact medal count to prevent placing undue pressure on the athletes. However, there are expectations for an improved performance compared with the Tokyo Olympics. With shooting, hockey and wrestling showing great promise, there is a prevailing sense of optimism within the country’s sports community.

Q\ Is the dream of hosting the 2036 Olympics still alive?

A\ It is indeed alive and part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for the country. Discussions regarding this ambitious goal have already commenced, with two meetings completed. The IOA has been invited to observe the Paris Olympics, a step aimed at gaining insights into the intricacies of the Olympics. Over the next two to three months, additional meetings are planned. The process is divided into three stages―initial dialogue, targeted dialogue and, finally, a vote by the executive committee. Currently, we are in the phase of initial dialogue, engaging with all relevant stakeholders to weigh the challenges and benefits. Post-Paris, a visit from the IOC team is anticipated to assess potential host cities, among other considerations.

Equally important to the ambition of hosting the Olympics is the country’s focus on elevating its sports performance. The IOA aims to position India among the top 10 by the 2032 Olympics, a goal that is actively being pursued.