P. T. Usha biography covers India’s “Queen of Track and Field” journey from Kerala to Olympic glory. Discover her age, husband, and achievements.
Who is P. T. Usha?
P. T. Usha biography chronicles the extraordinary life of India’s greatest female athlete. Born Pilavullakandi Thekkeparambil Usha on 27 June 1964 in Koothali, Kozhikode district, Kerala, she transformed from a frail village girl into a sporting legend who dominated Asian athletics for two decades. At 60 years old in 2025, Usha continues to serve Indian sports as President of the Indian Olympic Association and Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha.
Known affectionately as the “Payyoli Express” for her blazing speed, Usha became the first Indian woman to reach an Olympic final when she narrowly missed the bronze medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics by just 1/100th of a second. This heartbreaking moment remains etched in Indian sporting history, symbolising both the agony and the glory of her remarkable career.
Throughout the 1980s, Usha’s graceful sprinting style and powerful strides made her virtually unbeatable across Asia. She accumulated an astonishing collection of medals, including four gold and seven silver at the Asian Games, establishing records that stood for decades. Her dominance earned her the title “Queen of Indian Track and Field.”
Beyond her athletic achievements, Usha has dedicated her life to nurturing future champions through her athletics academy. Her transition from athlete to administrator culminated in 2022 when she became the first woman and first Olympian to lead the Indian Olympic Association in its 95-year history.
Quick Facts Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Pilavullakandi Thekkeparambil Usha |
| Date of Birth | 27 June 1964 |
| Age (2025) | 60 years old |
| Place of Birth | Koothali, Kozhikode, Kerala |
| State of Origin | Kerala |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Height | 1.70 metres (5 feet 7 inches) |
| Nickname | Payyoli Express, Golden Girl, Udanpari |
| Events | 100m, 200m, 400m, 400m Hurdles, Relay |
| Coach | O. M. Nambiar |
| Husband | V. Srinivasan (married 1991, deceased 2026) |
| Son | Dr. Vignesh Ujjwal |
| Father | E. P. M. Paithal (Army soldier) |
| Mother | T. V. Lakshmi |
| Education | Providence Women’s College, Kozhikode |
| Current Position | IOA President, Rajya Sabha MP |
| Net Worth | ₹40-50 crore (estimated) |
Early Life and Background
Pilavullakandi Thekkeparambil Usha was born into severe poverty in the small village of Koothali near Payyoli in Kerala’s Kozhikode district. Her father, E. P. M. Paithal, worked as a labourer whilst her mother, T. V. Lakshmi, struggled to provide for the family. Young Usha faced numerous health challenges during childhood.
Despite these hardships, Usha displayed natural athletic ability from an early age. In fourth grade, she defeated the school champion, a student three years her senior, in a running race. In 1976, she joined the newly established sports school for women in Kannur. The following year, coach O. M. Nambiar spotted her at a sports ceremony and began training her professionally.
Educational Background
Usha attended local schools in Payyoli before joining the sports division in Kannur. She later studied at Providence Women’s College in Kozhikode, balancing academics with intensive athletic training under Coach Nambiar.
She received honorary doctorates from prestigious institutions including Kannur University (2000), IIT Kanpur (2017), and Calicut University (2018). Usha served as Dean of the Physical Education Department at Kannur University from 2019 to 2022, combining practical experience with academic leadership.
Athletic Career
Usha’s competitive career began at the 1978 inter-state junior meet in Kollam, where she won six medals including four gold. Her first international appearance came at the 1980 Moscow Olympics as India’s youngest athlete at just 16 years old.
The 1982 New Delhi Asian Games marked her breakthrough with silver medals in 100m and 200m. Her defining moment came at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics in the 400m hurdles final, where she finished fourth by just 1/100th of a second, becoming the first Indian woman to reach an Olympic final.
The 1985 Jakarta Asian Championships showcased Usha at her peak. She won an unprecedented five gold medals in 100m, 200m, 400m, 400m hurdles, and 4x400m relay, plus bronze in 4x100m relay. This remains a record for most gold medals by any athlete at a single Asian Championships. At the 1986 Seoul Asian Games, she added four gold and one silver medal.
Career Timeline
| Year | Milestone | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1977 | Discovered by Coach O. M. Nambiar | Beginning of professional training |
| 1980 | Moscow Olympics debut | Youngest Indian female Olympian |
| 1984 | Los Angeles Olympics 400m hurdles | Fourth by 1/100th second |
| 1985 | Jakarta Asian Championships | Five gold medals (record) |
| 1986 | Seoul Asian Games | Four gold, one silver |
| 2000 | Retirement from athletics | End of competitive career |
| 2022 | Elected IOA President | First woman IOA chief |
Personal Life and Relationships
P. T. Usha married V. Srinivasan, an inspector with the Central Industrial Security Force, in 1991. Srinivasan, a former kabaddi player, became her constant pillar of support. The couple had one son, Dr. Vignesh Ujjwal, who pursued medicine.
Srinivasan played a crucial role in establishing and managing the Usha School of Athletics in Koyilandy, serving as treasurer. His quiet dedication allowed Usha to focus on training young athletes whilst maintaining her public commitments.
Tragically, V. Srinivasan passed away on 30 January 2026 at their residence in Payyoli, Kerala. Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally spoke to Usha to express his condolences following this devastating loss.
Major Achievements
P. T. Usha’s medal tally includes four gold and seven silver medals at the Asian Games across multiple editions. At the Asian Championships, she won 13 gold medals between 1983 and 1989. Her 1986 Seoul Asian Games performance, where she won four gold medals whilst setting new Games records, remains legendary.
She set numerous national records, with her 400m hurdles time of 55.42 seconds from 1984 standing as the Indian national record for decades. The 4x100m relay national record of 44.43 seconds, set in 1998 with her teammates, remained unbroken for nearly two decades.
Her individual honours include the Arjuna Award (1984), Padma Shri (1985), and multiple Best Athlete of Asia awards. She was named Sportswoman of the Century in 2000. In 2022, she made history as the first woman elected President of the Indian Olympic Association.
Legacy and Impact
P. T. Usha founded the Usha School of Athletics in 2002 in Koyilandy, Kerala, dedicating herself to nurturing young female athletes. Her most famous protégé, Tintu Luka, went on to win Asian Games gold and set national records, continuing Usha’s legacy of excellence.
Her influence extends beyond athletics. As IOA President, she leads India’s preparations for major international events including the 2030 Commonwealth Games, which India aims to host. Her nomination to the Rajya Sabha in 2022 and subsequent appointment as Vice-Chairperson demonstrated her growing stature in public life.
Usha’s autobiography “Golden Girl” and numerous books chronicling her journey have inspired millions of Indians. She proved that a girl from a poor village in Kerala could achieve greatness through determination, discipline, and unwavering dedication to her craft.
Final Thoughts
P. T. Usha remains India’s most iconic female athlete, whose near-miss at the 1984 Olympics paradoxically made her more beloved than any medal could have. Her journey from poverty to becoming the “Queen of Indian Track and Field” embodies the triumph of human spirit over circumstance.
Her contributions extend far beyond personal glory. Through her academy, administrative roles, and public advocacy, Usha continues to shape Indian sports. As IOA President and Rajya Sabha member, she wields influence that few athletes have achieved, using her platform to champion women’s sports and athlete welfare.
The “Payyoli Express” may have retired from competition, but her race to uplift Indian athletics continues unabated.
FAQs About P. T. Usha
How old is P. T. Usha in 2025?
P. T. Usha is 60 years old in 2025, having been born on 27 June 1964 in Koothali, Kerala. She will turn 61 in June 2025.
Who is P. T. Usha’s husband?
P. T. Usha married V. Srinivasan, a Central Industrial Security Force inspector, in 1991. Sadly, he passed away on 30 January 2026. They have one son, Dr. Vignesh Ujjwal.
Why is P. T. Usha called “Payyoli Express”?
P. T. Usha earned the nickname “Payyoli Express” due to her exceptional speed on the track and her hometown of Payyoli in Kerala, combining her origin with her blazing pace.
What is P. T. Usha’s greatest achievement?
P. T. Usha’s greatest achievement was reaching the 400m hurdles final at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, becoming the first Indian woman to reach an Olympic final. She also won five gold medals at the 1985 Jakarta Asian Championships.
What position does P. T. Usha currently hold?
P. T. Usha serves as President of the Indian Olympic Association since December 2022 and is a nominated Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha since July 2022.
What awards has P. T. Usha received?
P. T. Usha has received numerous honours including the Arjuna Award (1984), Padma Shri (1985), multiple Best Athlete of Asia awards, and honorary doctorates from IIT Kanpur, Kannur University, and Calicut University.
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