Legends of the Track Honoured: Usha, Anju Among Four Recipients of AFI Lifetime Achievement Award

Indian athletics paid tribute to some of its most celebrated figures on Saturday as legendary sprinter P T Usha , former long jump star Anju Bobby George , decathlon great Gurbachan Singh Randhawa , and veteran coach Bahadur Singh Chauhan were conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the inaugural Indian Athletics Awards ceremony in New Delhi.

The prestigious honour, instituted by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), recognises individuals whose contributions have left an enduring impact on the growth and success of Indian athletics. The awards ceremony marked a significant milestone for the sport, bringing together athletes, coaches, officials and administrators to celebrate excellence across various categories.

Among the recipients, P T Usha stood out as one of the most iconic names in Indian sporting history. The former sprint queen, who represented India at three Olympic Games and won multiple medals at the Asian Games, expressed her delight at receiving the recognition.

Speaking after the ceremony, Usha said she had not expected the award and was pleasantly surprised by the honour. She praised the AFI for launching an initiative that acknowledges the efforts and achievements of athletes and other contributors to the sport.

Today serving as the President of the Indian Olympic Association , Usha remains one of the most influential figures in Indian sports, both for her achievements on the track and her continued role in sports administration.

The ceremony also honoured Anju Bobby George , whose bronze medal in the women's long jump at the 2003 World Championships in Paris remains one of the most significant achievements in Indian athletics. Her historic feat paved the way for future generations of Indian field athletes and established her as a trailblazer on the global stage.

Former Asian Games champion Gurbachan Singh Randhawa was another recipient of the prestigious award. Randhawa etched his name into Indian sporting history by winning the decathlon gold medal at the 1962 Asian Games , becoming one of the country's pioneering track and field stars.

Veteran coach Bahadur Singh Chauhan , who guided several generations of Indian athletes during his tenure as national chief coach, was also recognised for his immense contribution to the development of athletics in the country. His work behind the scenes played a crucial role in nurturing talent and strengthening India's athletics ecosystem.

The Indian Athletics Awards , launched by the AFI, aim to celebrate excellence across the sport by recognising athletes, coaches, technical officials, mentors, state associations and other stakeholders who have contributed to its growth. The inaugural edition featured 10 award categories, including Best Athlete (Male and Female) , Best Coach , Best Technical Official , Best State Association , and the Lifetime Achievement Award .

Beyond individual recognition, the event served as a celebration of Indian athletics' rich heritage, honouring those whose dedication and achievements helped shape the sport's journey over the decades. For Usha, Anju, Randhawa and Chauhan, the awards were not merely acknowledgements of past success but a recognition of legacies that continue to inspire future generations of Indian athletes.