The world of Indian sports is in mourning today. In a sudden and tragic loss, **V Srinivasan**, the beloved husband of legendary sprinter and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President **PT Usha**, passed away at the age of 67. The news has sent shockwaves through the nation, leaving fans, athletes, and political leaders alike offering their deepest condolences to the grieving family [[1]].
Srinivasan, a pillar of quiet strength behind one of India’s most iconic sporting figures, collapsed at his residence in Kozhikode, Kerala, in the early hours of Friday, January 30, 2026. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital but could not be revived [[5]].
Table of Contents
- Who Was V Srinivasan?
- PT Usha’s Husband: A Steadfast Supporter
- National Outpouring of Grief
- The Legacy of a Private Man
Who Was V Srinivasan?
While the world knew him as **PT Usha’s husband**, V Srinivasan had his own distinguished life and career. He was a former central government employee, having served as an officer in the paramilitary forces [[2]]. His athletic background wasn’t limited to his association with Usha; he was also a former kabaddi player, showcasing his own passion for sports [[3]].
A man known for his humility and privacy, Srinivasan largely stayed out of the public eye, choosing instead to be the unwavering support system for his wife as she transitioned from a track-and-field superstar to a Rajya Sabha MP and eventually the first woman president of the IOA [[9]].
PT Usha’s Husband: A Steadfast Supporter
The journey of PT Usha—from the “Payyoli Express” who narrowly missed an Olympic medal in 1984 to the head of the country’s Olympic body—is a story of immense dedication and resilience. At every step of this incredible journey, V Srinivasan was a constant, grounding presence.
His role was never that of a mere spouse but of a true partner. He managed the home front, allowing Usha to focus on her training, her political responsibilities, and her demanding role at the IOA. Their son, Ujjwal, is a testament to their strong family bond, a unit that has always been Usha’s sanctuary away from the public glare [[1]].
This private support was crucial during Usha’s historic election as the first woman and first Olympian to lead the IOA in its 95-year history—a landmark moment for Indian sports [[16]].
National Outpouring of Grief
The news of Srinivasan’s passing prompted an immediate and heartfelt response from the highest office in the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally spoke with a distraught PT Usha to offer his condolences and express his sympathies to her and their son, Ujjwal [[22]].
In his conversation, the Prime Minister acknowledged the immense personal loss for Usha and her family, a gesture that underscores the deep respect the nation holds for its sporting icon [[25]]. The sporting community, from fellow athletes to administrators, has also begun pouring in messages of support, remembering Srinivasan as a kind and supportive figure who was always there for his wife.
The Legacy of a Private Man
V Srinivasan’s legacy is not written in record books or on podiums, but in the quiet strength he provided to one of India’s greatest athletes. He was the anchor that allowed PT Usha to soar, to break barriers, and to inspire generations. His life reminds us that behind every great public figure, there is often a private individual whose love and support make it all possible.
As the Usha family navigates this profound loss, the entire nation stands with them. The story of PT Usha is inseparable from the story of her partnership with V Srinivasan, a partnership built on mutual respect, love, and a shared, albeit quiet, dedication to the world of Indian sports.
Summary
The sudden demise of **V Srinivasan**, husband of IOA President PT Usha, is a significant personal loss for the Usha family and a moment of collective grief for the Indian sports fraternity. Remembered as a former government officer, a kabaddi player, and above all, a devoted husband and father, his legacy is one of quiet, unwavering support. From Prime Minister Modi to countless citizens, the nation has come together to mourn the man who stood firmly behind a legend.
Sources
- Times of India: Rajya Sabha MP PT Usha’s husband V Srinivasan passes away at 67
- The Economic Times: PT Usha’s husband V Srinivasan was a former Kabaddi player
- DNA India: Who was V Srinivasan? PT Usha’s husband passes away at 67
- Free Press Journal: PM Narendra Modi Reaches Out To PT Usha, Offers Heartfelt Condolences
- Olympics.com: PT Usha becomes IOA’s first woman president