BEIJING: P T Usha’s golden touch deserted her when she needed it most in her last 400m race at the international level while Dina Ram ran the fastest steeplechase of his career on a day when Indian athletes settled for 2 silver medals in the Asian games here.

Having been pulled out of virtual retirement to have a final fling on the Asian stage, the ‘payyoli express’s found her fond hopes of a farewell gold let down by another poor start for home favourite Li Guilian to win in 52.13 seconds, Just inside Usha’s games record set in Seoul.

The 26yrold Indian railway officer, who went into the final as the fastest qualifier in 53.97 seconds, was about a stride behind the Chinese, credited with a time of 52.86 seconds well below her personal best of 51.60 and the 51.90 she clocked at the Asian championship last year.

Steeplechaser Dina Ram clocked the best time of his career as he lunged past China’s Nu Xinxiang to win silver in 8 minutes 35.19 seconds in a thrilling photo finish, Dina Ram authored a splendid burst on the home stretch to pip the Chinese, also credited with the same time.

Japan’s Kazuhito Yamada led all the way in the steeplechase with a games record time of 8:34.64 on a day when Chinese won 5 of the 7 golds at stake.

I am going to run any more, said Sprint Queen P.T. Usha after finishing second in the 400 metres final.

NEW DELHI: My body didn’t allow me to realise the goal of winning gold in the Beijing games, my last competition. Hines and injury hampered my training, India’s star athlete PT. Usha said on return here ‘Sunday from the Asian games in Beijing,

Arguably India’s greatest runner, Usha said she was satisfied with her performance and with the three silver medals she won.

I had virtually retired after the Asian meet here last year when I won 4 gold and 2 silver medals, But I was compelled by several people to compete in Asian games.

After a few months’ layoff, I began training but illness and injury disturbed my training schedule. I didn’t have a week when I was able to stick to the schedule.

Considering all that, I am satisfied with my show. Unfortunately, I began peaking as the competitions drew to a close. But this is part of the game, Usha added, breaking into a smile.

 ‘The athlete said she would have won at least a silver in the 200m if she had not misunderstood the Chinese starter.

I thought he was telling me to get back. But I noticed Ashwini (Nachappa) and the others getting ready to take off. I started too late and was last in the first 50 metres.

I could have done a foul start, but it would have been unfair, Usha said.

Rosa Kutty, who won the 800m bronze with a career best time, was happy even if she would have preferred a better showing in the 1500m.

Article extracted from this publication >> October 12, 1990