Who was elected as the first woman president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) in 2022?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 2: P.T. Usha.
Explanation:
In December 2022, the legendary sprinter P.T. Usha was elected unopposed as the first female President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
Historical Significance: In the 95-year history of the organization, she became the first woman—and the first international medal-winning athlete—to lead the IOA.
Nicknames: She is also known by the names 'Payyoli Express' and 'Udan Pari' (The Flying Fairy).
Achievements: She has won multiple gold medals at the Asian Games and finished fourth in the 400-meter hurdles at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics (missing a medal by a mere 0.01 seconds).
Other Positions: Currently, she is also a nominated member (MP) of the Rajya Sabha.
Information regarding other options:
The other names are also important for revision purposes for competitive examinations:
Annu Rani (Option 1): She is a renowned Indian javelin thrower. She created history by winning a gold medal at the Asian Games (2023).
Ashapurna Devi (Option 3): She was a celebrated Bengali writer. She was the first woman to receive the Jnanpith Award (1976).
Hima Das (Option 4): She is known as the 'Dhing Express'. She is a famous sprinter from Assam.
Key points about the Indian Olympic Association (IOA):
Establishment: 1927.
Headquarters: New Delhi.
First President: Sir Dorabji Tata.
Function: To select and manage athletes for the Olympic Games, Asian Games, and other international multi-sport competitions in India.
Important questions for upcoming examinations:
Question: In which year was the Indian Olympic Association established?
Answer: 1927.
Question: Who is famous by the name 'Payyoli Express'?
Answer: P.T. Usha. Usha.
Question: Who was the first Indian woman to receive the Jnanpith Award?
Answer: Ashapurna Devi.