The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha, along with former Asian Games gold medalist Gurbachan Singh Randhawa, shot put champion Bahadur Singh Chauhan, and long jump World Championships medalist Anju Bobby George, were awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) in New Delhi.

This prestigious recognition took place during the AFI Awards ceremony held in the capital on Saturday, where some of the most celebrated figures in Indian sports were honored.

PT Usha is renowned as one of the greatest track and field athletes, having secured numerous gold medals at both the Asian Games and Asian Championships. She previously held the national record in the women's 400 meters.

Gurbachan Singh is celebrated for winning the gold medal in decathlon at the 1962 Asian Games. Bahadur Singh Chauhan, a two-time Asian Games medalist (1978 and 1982) and a gold medalist at the 1975 Asian Championships in shot put, later contributed significantly as the head coach of the Indian athletics team.

Anju Bobby George made history by winning a medal at the World Championships in Paris in 2003, marking the first-ever medal for an Indian at the World Athletics meet. She is also an Asian Games gold medalist and holds the national record in women's long jump, set during the 2004 Olympics.

The AFI Awards serve as a platform to honor both current and former athletes, coaches, technical officials, mentors, state associations, sponsors, and other stakeholders who have significantly contributed to India's success in athletics on the global stage.

The event attracts many of India's top athletes, making it a vital gathering for the athletics community and a celebration of the sport's rapid growth in the country.

Such initiatives are crucial for uplifting the spirits and confidence of Indian athletes, particularly the youth and emerging talents, while fostering a culture of recognition and inspiration within the sport.

The ceremony recognizes excellence across ten award categories, including Lifetime Achievement Awards, Best Athlete (Male & Female), Best Coach, Best Technical Official, Best State Association, and Best State Supporting Athletics.