Legendary Indian athlete P T Usha is making a strong push to discover and nurture young sporting talent at the grassroots level. She recently spearheaded a special athletics camp focused on identifying promising girls.
Mangaluru Hosts Key Talent Identification Event
The event took place at Mangala Stadium in Mangaluru on Sunday, January 18, 2026. P T Usha, who founded the Usha School of Athletics, led this initiative. She collaborated with two major foundations to make it happen.
The Infosys Foundation and the GoSports Foundation joined forces with Usha's organization. Together, they created a platform for young female athletes to showcase their abilities.
Focus on Early Talent Spotting
P T Usha emphasized the critical importance of finding athletic potential early. She believes many talented children remain undiscovered in smaller towns and villages.
"We must look beyond major cities," Usha stated during the camp. "Real champions often emerge from humble backgrounds. Our job is to find them and provide proper training."
The camp involved several activities designed to assess different athletic capabilities:
- Sprint timing tests to measure raw speed
- Endurance runs to evaluate stamina
- Basic technique assessments for track and field events
- Physical fitness evaluations including strength and flexibility
Creating Pathways for Young Athletes
Participants who showed exceptional promise received guidance about next steps. The Usha School of Athletics offers structured training programs for selected talents.
"This is not just about finding one champion," explained a camp organizer. "We want to build a pipeline of talented athletes who can represent India in future competitions."
The collaboration between Usha's school and the two foundations ensures resources are available for proper development. This includes coaching, equipment, and competition opportunities.
Grassroots Development as National Priority
P T Usha's initiative reflects a growing recognition that India needs systematic talent identification. Many sports experts agree that early intervention is crucial for international success.
"We have immense untapped potential across the country," Usha remarked. "With proper guidance and support, these young athletes can achieve great things."
The Mangaluru camp represents just one step in a broader movement. Similar events are planned for other regions as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen India's athletic foundation.
