Tag: Indian Athletics

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V Srinivasan, Husband of PT Usha, Passes Away at 67; Athletes Remember His Guiding Role

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Written by Alisha Fernandes || Allycaral

India mourns the loss of V Srinivasan, the husband of legendary sprinter PT Usha, who passed away at the age of 67. Known not only for his support of PT Usha’s illustrious career but also for his nurturing role at the Usha School of Athletics, Srinivasan was remembered as a father figure and mentor by many budding athletes.

Tintu Luka, the Asian Games medallist and one of the school’s most celebrated students, described Srinivasan as “Usha chechi’s backbone” and a guiding light for young women athletes. “If we needed anything he was there for us. I would tell him about anything that was worrying me, and he always listened patiently and guided us,” said Tintu, highlighting his deep commitment to fostering talent and instilling confidence in the athletes.

Beyond his familial support, Srinivasan played an instrumental role behind the scenes, ensuring that the athletes at the Usha School of Athletics had access to resources, encouragement, and moral support. His loss has left a profound void not only in PT Usha’s personal life but also in the larger Indian athletics community, where his quiet, steadfast presence helped shape the careers of countless women athletes.

Tributes have poured in from the athletics fraternity, celebrating his generosity, dedication, and mentorship. His legacy continues in the athletes whose lives he touched and the impact he made on Indian sports.

National

Olympic Gold Medalist Neeraj Chopra Appointed Honorary Lieutenant Colonel in Indian Army

Tanisha Cardozo

Olympic gold medalist and India’s javelin superstar Neeraj Chopra was officially appointed as an Honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Army during a grand ceremony held in Delhi. The event was graced by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, who conferred the prestigious rank upon Neeraj in recognition of his outstanding achievements and contribution to the nation’s sporting glory.

Neeraj Chopra has been a symbol of national pride ever since he clinched India’s first Olympic gold medal in athletics. His journey from a small town to global stardom has inspired millions across the country. The honorary rank is not only a recognition of his sportsmanship but also reflects the Indian Army’s commitment to honoring exceptional talent representing the country on international platforms.

The ceremony was made even more special with the presence of Neeraj’s parents, who have stood by him throughout his journey. The conferment of this honorary military rank marks a significant milestone in Neeraj’s career, symbolizing the bond between Indian sports and the armed forces.

Neeraj Chopra now joins a distinguished list of athletes who have been honored with honorary ranks by the Indian military, celebrating their role as ambassadors of India’s sporting excellence and patriotism.

Sports

Goa’s Archi Katkar Wins Silver in Triathlon at National Junior Athletics Championships 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa’s rising athletic star Archi Prithviraj Katkar has brought home a proud moment for the state by winning the Silver Medal in the Triathlon (Group A) category at the 40th National Junior Athletics Championships 2025, held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

Competing in the Under-14 category, Archi represented RCC Fatorda and trained under the expert mentorship of coach Patrick Soares. Her performance was marked by determination, discipline, and athletic prowess, earning her a total of 2306 points — a feat that placed her second on the national podium.

A student of Vidya Vikas Academy, Margao, Archi was part of a 13-member Goan contingent that competed across various age groups at the national championship. Her achievement not only brings individual recognition but also highlights the growing success of grassroots sports training and development in Goa.

This Silver Medal reflects the growing presence of Goan athletes at the national level, and Archi’s success serves as a motivation for aspiring young athletes across the state. Her journey from local tracks to a national stage is a testament to consistent hard work, community support, and focused coaching.

As Goa continues to invest in youth sports infrastructure and mentorship, stories like Archi’s reinforce the state’s potential to shine on the national and international stage. With continued dedication and encouragement, Archi Katkar is certainly a name to watch in Indian athletics.

Sports

Lohakare Breaks Neeraj Chopra’s Services Record with 84.31m Throw

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At the 74th Inter Services Athletics Championship 2025, a new star emerged in Indian athletics. Young javelin thrower Lohakare stunned spectators by producing a throw of 84.31m, breaking the long-standing Services record set by Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra in 2018 (83.80m).

The achievement carries special significance, as Lohakare has long cited Chopra as his inspiration. To surpass his idol’s record on such a stage underlines both his talent and India’s growing depth in the javelin discipline.

However, the record will not be recognized by World Athletics, since the Inter Services meet is a non-certified event. Despite this, Lohakare’s performance is already being hailed as a potential stepping stone to international success.

India has seen an unprecedented surge in javelin throw talent following Chopra’s Tokyo 2020 Olympic triumph, and Lohakare’s rise further cements the nation’s strength in the discipline.

Athletics Federation officials and coaches are expected to closely monitor Lohakare’s progression as he eyes bigger stages, including certified national and international competitions.

With his 84.31m throw, Lohakare has signaled his arrival — and hinted that India’s javelin story is only just beginning.

Sports

P.T. Usha Announces Engagement of Son Dr. Vignesh Ujjwal to KrishnaTrack Legend Shares Joyous Family Moment

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July 19, 2025 | India: In a delightful and heartfelt announcement, Indian track icon, Olympian, and Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, P.T. Usha, has shared that her beloved son, Dr. Vignesh Ujjwal, is now engaged to Krishna.

A beacon of discipline and excellence on the track, P.T. Usha expressed her joy and blessings for the young couple in a warm statement:
“May God bless them in abundance with happiness and love.”

Known globally as the “Queen of Indian Track and Field,” P.T. Usha has long been a role model to generations of athletes. Now, she celebrates a personal milestone — one filled with love, family, and the promise of a new beginning.

The engagement is being celebrated with joy by friends, well-wishers, and members of the sports fraternity. As a parliamentarian and President of the Indian Olympic Association, Usha continues to inspire, and this moment adds a special chapter to her legacy — not just as an athlete, but as a proud mother.

We extend our warmest wishes to Dr. Vignesh Ujjwal and Krishna as they begin this beautiful journey together.