Interview/ P.T. Usha, president, Indian Olympic Association
Q/ How many medals do you expect at the Paris Olympics?
A/ Expectations are always high. I am confident that our team will perform well in Paris. In Tokyo, we made a historic leap in medal count. We finished with seven―one gold, two silver and four bronze. If you ask me for a name, I will definitely say Neeraj. He is our prime hope. We are hopeful in athletics, boxing, shooting, badminton and weightlifting. I will not say an exact number. I do not want to pressure our athletes. Let them fight for medals in good spirit. Let us hope they will make us proud.
Q/ The Olympics is a big stage. As you have said, athletes face a lot of pressure out there. How will the IOA help them overcome it?
A/ We have made every arrangement to help our athletes overcome pressure. We have a special team that includes a mental conditioning coach and sleep therapists to tackle the issue.
Q/ Exactly 40 years ago, you missed out on an Olympic medal by a whisker. And now you attend the Games as the president of a national governing body. What difference do you feel?
A/ Both situations are unique. Both give me immense satisfaction.
