V Sreenivasan, the husband of Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president and Rajya Sabha member P T Usha, passed away at his residence near Payyoli in Kozhikode during the early hours of Friday. He was 63 years old.
Sudden Collapse and Hospitalization
Sreenivasan collapsed at their house in Perumalpuram near Payyoli at approximately 12:30 AM. Despite being rushed to a nearby private hospital, he could not be saved. The sudden demise has sent shockwaves through the sports community and beyond.
Background and Contributions to Sports
Sreenivasan had a distinguished background, having served in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and being a former Kabaddi player. He was actively associated with the Usha School of Athletics, where he served as its co-founder and treasurer, playing a pivotal role in nurturing young athletic talent.
After marrying P T Usha in 1991, Sreenivasan steadfastly supported her track and field career. His encouragement was instrumental in her winning the silver medal at the 1994 Hiroshima Asian Games, following a three-year break. He also played a key role in her comeback at the Asian Championship in 1998 in Japan, showcasing his unwavering dedication to her success.
Family and Condolences
P T Usha, who was in Delhi attending the Parliament session, returned home early Friday morning upon hearing the tragic news. According to BJP sources, Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally spoke to Usha over the phone to express his condolences, highlighting the national significance of the loss.
The couple's son, Dr. Vignesh Ujjwal, is a sports medicine specialist, continuing the family's deep connection to the world of athletics. The passing of V Sreenivasan marks the end of an era for a man who not only supported a sporting icon but also contributed significantly to Indian sports through his own endeavors.
