Legendary sprinter PT Usha chairs Rajya Sabha session

The former athlete shared a video clip of the session, describing it as a proud moment “hoping to create milestones”.

Pilavullakandi Thekkeparambil Usha, who is usually referred to by her short name PT Usha, was nominated to the Upper House of Parliament in July 2022.

In November, she was elected as the President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

"'Great power involves great responsibility' as said by Franklin D. Roosevelt was felt by me when I chaired the Rajya Sabha session. I hope to create milestones as I undertake this journey with the trust and faith vested in me by my people," PT Usha said in her tweet.

Her followers congratulated her on her great moment and said she once again created history.

"So proud of you Usha, all the best for ur onward journey.  Go on & create history once more," commented one user.

"So so proud. You are an inspiration for daughters of India," said another.

"The real empowerment!! All the best and sure you'll give back the country a lot more Ma'am," a third user tweeted.

In December, PT Usha was included in the panel of Vice-Chairpersons of the Rajya Sabha who conduct the Rajya Sabha proceedings of the house when the Chairman and Deputy Chairman are not available.

Popularly known as the Payyoli Express, PT Usha became the first nominated MP to become part of the panel.

PT Usha has brought several laurels to India by winning medals in various international sports events, including the Asian Games, the Asian Championships, and the World Junior Invitational Meet.

She won four gold medals and seven silvers at the Asian Games. She missed a podium finish by 1/100th of a second in the women's 400m hurdles at the Los Angeles 1984 Olympics.

Her timing of 55.42s in Los Angeles still holds as a national record.