'Payyoli Express' reaches the Rajya Sabha: Sprinter PT Usha's long journey

Payyoli Tevaraparampil Usha, or PT Usha, was known as the queen of track and field for her unprecedented achievements that inspired girls and boys alike

India's star sprinter PT Usha, fondly called the 'Payyoli Express', has been nominated by the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) to the Rajya Sabha. Remembered for her gazelle-like strides on the track once, Usha will now foray into Indian politics. Music maestro Ilaiyaraaja, screenwriter V Vijayendra Prasad and spiritual leader Veerendra Heggade have also been nominated alongside her.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to congratulate Usha.

The remarkable PT Usha Ji is an inspiration for every Indian. Her accomplishments in sports are widely known but equally commendable is her work to mentor budding athletes over the