We will get seven gold
medals from athletics

In hindsight, I can say that, overall, my experiences at all the Asian Games I participated in were good. But I must also add that some were bitter.

My expectation level at the Games was always very high, except in 1998, at Bangkok. Throughout my career the athletics contingent provided me good support and the camaraderie was a boost to my performances. Of all the medals I won at the Asian Games, I cherish the 200 metres gold I won at Seoul, in 1986, where I beat Lydia Divega of The Philippines in a close race.

Although I carry good memories of various Asian Games I participated in, I also have a few bitter ones, especially the 1998 Games. I was fully fit to run the 4 x 400 metres relay in Bangkok, but the authorities did not want me to run for some reason. That is why I don't count the silver medal which they awarded me as a member of the relay team. I feel that since I didn't take part in the race, I didn't deserve it. Other than that it's been a fair run.

Coming back to the present, what can one expect from the Indian athletics squad at the forthcoming Busan Games. Well, we will win some medals; may be silver or gold. But one thing I can tell you is if the current level of performance of our athletes is anything to go by, and if they keep up their momentum in South Korea, I am sure we will get at least seven gold medals from athletics only. Only God knows further.

I feel there is much to be done by the authorities if India is to produce a consistently good crop of budding athletes who will do the country proud by winning medals. With that in mind, I am running a charitable trust, the Usha School of Athletics, in Koyilandy, Kerala. Here, I am actively involved in providing training to young athletes selected from the all over the country. I am sure they will make gold medal winners in the 2008 or 2012 Olympics.

Also, what the Amateur Athletic Federation of India can do is extend the scientific training to budding athletes instead of providing it to the national campers.

My suggestion to aspiring athletes: be patient always. Do not hurry. If there is a will there is way. Always.

P T Usha spoke to Nagraj Gollapudi

Usha's major achievements

Asian Games
Delhi (1982): 2 silver medals in 100 and 200 meteres.

Seoul (1986): 4 gold from the 200 metres, 400 metres, 400 metres hurdles, 4 x 400 metres relay and and one silver from the 100 metres.

Beijing (1990): 3 silver medals from the 400 metres, 400 metres hurdles, 4 x 400 metres relay.

Hiroshima (1994): One silver medal from the 4 x 400 metres relay.

102 international medals won in various meets between 1980 and 1999.

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