Daijiworld Media Network - Sullia (SP)

Sullia, Mar 10: Former Olympian and well-known short distance runner, P T Usha, visited Lord Subrahmanya temple at Subrahmanya village in the taluk on Thursday and paid obeisance to the presiding deity.

Speaking to media persons thereafter, Usha expressed happiness at the emergence of refined athletes from the country in the recent past. "As the state and central governments have been providing extensive support and encouragement to sports activities, our sports persons will definitely improve the country's performance in the next Olympics and bring laurels to India by returning home with several medals," she predicted.

Usha, ,who is currently running 'Usha School of Athletics' which coaches athletes, felt that the sports persons should not rest after getting some medals. She said that they should keep on trying to add more medals. She expressed disappointment at the fact that athletes trained by her, Jessy Joseph and Jisna Mathew, had failed to bag medals at the last phase after participating in previous Olympics. "I am fully confident that they will bring laurels to the country by performing better. Our institution bagged national sports award last year because of contributing several good athletes to the country, an achievement about which I am very proud," she explained.

About Poovamma from Karnataka, she said she is confident about Poovamma annexing medals in the 2020 Olympics.

Usha was accompanied during the temple visit by husband, Srinivasan, and son, Vighnesh Vijay. Temple executive officer, Ningayya and other staff were present, extended warm welcome to Usha on arrival.