Most athletes lack motivation: Usha

Success knows no short cuts; it can be conquered only through hard work and devotion, says athlete P. T. Usha

“Hard work, discipline, dedication and strong willpower are the factors that have contributed to my success in sports. Though in current scenario amenities are available, strong dedication and lackadaisical attitude are the biggest hurdles for the current generation. This is why the performance of Indian athletes is downgrading in world sports,” said Usha at the annual CISF curtain raiser championship meet in New Delhi on Friday.

When asked why India has not been able to produce world class athletes despite having better facilities now, she said: “I saw a track and field for the first time in Moscow Olympics in 1980 when I was just 16. I did not have facilities like today, but I was focused and determined to win the medal for my country. Now, the situation has improved as athletes are receiving better facilities in state level sports events. But they lack motivation and dedication, which is the key to success. However, some athletes are performing better and we can hope that they will be in the Olympic podium in their respective fields. Dutee Chand, Hima Das, Neeraj Chopra, and Swapna Barman are world class athletes and they can become world’s best.”