PT Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), stated that she has not received any complaints concerning the accommodation of Indian cricketers in Japan ahead of the Asian Games 2026, which will take place from September 19 to October 4 in Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya.
Reports had indicated that accommodation issues were raised during a meeting of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). However, speaking to reporters at Jaspal Rana’s book launch in New Delhi on Tuesday, PT Usha emphasized that she had not been informed of any such concerns from the athletes. She added, “I didn’t get any complaints from there. They are all athletes, not cricketers… all are Team India.”
She also assured that the IOA would address any problems if they arise, noting the presence of the Chef de Mission, Sahdev Yadav, at the Games. “From our side, we will do our best, and there is a Chef de Mission also, and hope that the problem will be solved soon,” she said.
Regarding the IOA’s expectations for the Indian contingent, PT Usha said the organization does not want to exert pressure on the athletes but trusts they will perform to the best of their abilities. She explained, “I don’t want to give any pressure to our players. I think they have all gone with confidence. Hope that they will do their best because the Indian government and the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs and IOA are in one line; whatever they wanted, we have already provided and hope that these are all the things they will get confidence, no?”
PT Usha also paid tribute to the late Jaspal Rana, describing him as someone who brought pride to the country both as an athlete and a coach. “In one word, I can’t finish. Jaspal Rana’s glory to Indian sport… as an athlete also he has made India proud, and as a coach as well,” she said.
Jaspal Rana, a renowned shooter and coach, passed away in June at the age of 49.