Politics in sports is worse. I've no intention of stepping back: IOA president PT Usha

Politics in sports is far worse than in society, said PT Usha, president of the Indian Olympic Association. "I don’t hold the opinion that all politics is bad and I see both sides. But the politics within Indian sports is unbearable," said Usha.

"I never aspired to lead the Indian Olympic Association, yet having reached this position, I have no intention of stepping back. I believe that if you take on something, it should be done with determination and should achieve success."

The iconic athlete voiced her stance and resolve during a session titled 'Aravangalkkappuram' (Beyond the roars), organised as part of the ongoing Hortus Cultural Festival at Kozhikode Beach.

Did everything for Vinesh
Addressing recent Olympics controversies, Usha said "we did everything possible for Vinesh Phogat. Her support team included five training assistants, which is unprecedented in the history of Indian sports. I even spoke with the president of world wrestling about her weight difference issue. They made it clear that rules are the rules and it’s the athlete’s responsibility to adhere to weight requirements. Yet, the blame seemed to fall squarely on me."

Jisna deserved Olympic spot
Usha said the exclusion of her trainee Jisna Mathew from the 4x400m relay team at Paris Olympics was down to poor decisions in team selection. "Jisna deserved a spot. In other countries, final team selections are based strictly on performance in trials, and that’s how it should be here too. Unfortunately, unnecessary interference in selection prevented us from having a Malayali woman athlete at the Olympics this time," Usha said.