‘No Pressure, Only Focus’: PT Usha’s Mantra For Indian Athletes Ahead Of Asian Games 2026 | TDJ Exclusive

Indian athletes heading into the 2026 Asian Games have been urged to block out external pressure and focus entirely on their events, with Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha stressing the importance of confidence, preparation and composure.

Speaking exclusively to The Daily Jagran, Usha said India’s Asian Games preparations have progressed well, with athletes receiving coaching camps, competitive exposure and the necessary support from sporting bodies ahead of the continental showpiece.

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“Preparations have been done well at this time. Associations throughout the year have organised good coaching camps and whatever the players wanted, they have also given exposure,” Usha said.

The Indian contingent also benefited from competing in Glasgow a month before the Asian Games, which Usha believes has provided valuable experience to the athletes.

“One month before they did a good competition in Glasgow. That is the best experience for them,” she added.

PT Usha Urges Athletes To Avoid Pressure

With expectations surrounding Indian athletes continuing to grow, Usha believes the biggest priority now is for competitors to concentrate on their individual events rather than worrying about results or outside expectations.

“The only thing is to focus on their event. They should focus on their event and they should try to do their best. They should not be under pressure,” Usha told The Daily Jagran.

The IOA chief also highlighted the growing support for Indian sport, pointing towards the combined efforts of the government, Sports Authority of India, national associations, sponsors and the Indian Olympic Association.

According to Usha, this wider support system has helped athletes gain confidence as they prepare to represent the country.

“Government of India, Sports and Youth Affairs, Sports Authority of India and Associations, all sponsors and last Indian Olympic Association, all are with the players,” she said.

Usha Highlights Changing Sports Landscape In India

Reflecting on the transformation of Indian sport, Usha compared the facilities available during her own competitive career with the support athletes receive today.

“There is a lot of change. In our time, people of India were cheering for me a lot. But what facilities were there for us? There was nothing. So, still I won four gold medals,” she recalled.

Usha famously won four gold medals at the 1986 Asian Games, contributing significantly to India’s medal haul.

She believes the growth of institutional support has made a major difference for the current generation of athletes.

“But now, our Prime Minister is also with us. He is giving a lot of priority to sports. Government, Sports Authority of India, Associations, Sponsors, IOA and whatever,” Usha said.

Seven Athletes Get Asian Games Entry

Usha also revealed the efforts made by the IOA to ensure seven athletes whose names were initially absent from the long list could secure entries for the Asian Games.

“If it is not in the long list, it is difficult to get an entry. But IOA with our pressure and we worked a lot. Because of that, we could get the entry for seven athletes,” she explained.

The development, according to Usha, underlines the importance of ensuring deserving athletes get the opportunity to compete on the biggest stages.

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‘They Are Doing It For The Country’

As the Indian contingent prepares for the Asian Games, Usha's message remained simple: trust the preparation, avoid unnecessary pressure and give everything to the event.

“There is only one message. Preparation is good. Do not put pressure. They should focus on their event. And they should try to do their best. They are doing for the country,” Usha said.

She believes athletes can perform at their best when they approach competition with confidence rather than anxiety.

“So, without pressure, if they do well, we will win 100%,” Usha concluded.