Chennai: ‘My voice will be there for sports in Rajya Sabha,” said legendary athlete PT Usha who was nominated to Rajya Sabha while talking to ABP Nadu on Thursday.
PT Usha, popularly known as the Payyoli Express, has represented the country and won medals at various international sporting events, including the World Junior Invitational Meet, Asian Championships and Asian Games.
Talking to ABP Nadu, PT Usha on her nomination said, “I am very happy. It’s an honour for all sports, especially Indian athletics. I am honoured too.”
“My voice will be there for sports. My passion is sports and everything in sports. I love sports and that's why I am in sports even after my retirement,” she said.
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Several leaders including PM Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan congratulated the athelete for the nomination.
Taking to Twitter, PM Modi said, "The remarkable PT Usha Ji is an inspiration for every Indian. Her accomplishments in sports are widely known but equally commendable is her work to mentor budding athletes over the last several years. Congratulations to her on being nominated to the Rajya Sabha."
Replying to the tweet, PT Usha on Twitter said, "Deeply touched by your kind words Sir. My sincere gratitude on being nominated to the Rajya Sabha."
"I will always give my best to any responsibility bestowed on me, and work towards the betterment of all of us Indians. Jai Hind🙏🏽," she said.
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Along with PT Usha, music composer Ilaiyaraaja, philanthropist Veerendra Heggade and acclaimed screenwriter-director KV Vijayendra Prasad were also nominated to the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. It maybe noted that all the four nominated members to Rajya Sabha are from the South.