New Delhi

Noted former athlete PT Usha on Wednesday took oath as a member of the Rajya Sabha.

She was nominated to the Upper House by the government on July 6 along with music composer Ilaiyaraaja, philanthropist Veerendra Heggade and film director K. Vijayendra Prasad.

Usha took her oath in Hindi.

The former sprint queen from Kerala is one of India's most iconic sportspersons. She has been a role model and inspiration for lakhs of young girls across the country who have dreamt of taking up a career in sports, especially track and field events.

Popularly known as the ‘Payyoli Express’ Usha represented India and won medals at various international events, including the World Junior Invitational Meet, Asian Championships, and Asian Games.

She is a recipient of the Arjuna award and the Padma Shri.

In the 1984 Olympics, Usha missed winning India's first medal in track and field in a photo-finish as she stood fourth in women's 400M hurdles and lost the Bronze medal by 1/100^th of a second.

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She currently runs the Usha School of Athletics, which offers world-class facilities to talented youngsters.

On Tuesday PT Usha was awarded a grand welcome at the Delhi airport. Among those present to receive her were BJP leaders including MP Manoj Tiwari.