Indian government confers Padma Shri award on PT Usha’s former coach OM Nambiar
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On the eve of India’s 72nd Republic Day, seven sportspersons from India were conferred the Padma Shri award by the Government of India. One of the awardees was legendary runner PT Usha’s coach OM Nambiar who was honored for his contributions to sports.
Veteran table tennis player Mouma Das, former India women’s basketball team captain P Anitha, 3000m steeplechase Olympian Sudha Singh, former Indian wrestler Virender Singh, para athlete KY Venkatesh and mountaineer Anshu Jamsenpa were the other laureates of the country’s fourth-highest civilian award in 2021 in the sports category.
Nambiar – One of the most respected coaches in India
OM Nambiar was the one behind the success of one of India’s greatest athletes ever – PT Usha. Till date, Usha holds the record for the most number of gold medals in track and field events in Asia. Her name is etched in Indian sporting folklore for her performance in the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 1984 when she came very close to finishing with a bronze medal but narrowly missed out.
Nambiar was the one who recognized Usha’s talent and mentored her throughout her childhood and teenage years. He believed that Usha would win a medal for her country if she participated in the 400m hurdles in the 1984 Olympics. His prediction and belief almost came true. The now 88-year-old Nambiar was awarded the Dronacharya Award in 1985 and continues to remain one of the most respected coaches in India.
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