A file image of PT Usha.
Former India athlete PT Usha has asked the Indian media to stop categorising the athletes, who are participating in the ongoing 21st Commonwealth Games 2018, based on their regional identity.
Usha, popularly referred as the queen of Indian track and field, took to Twitter and said: "Reporters: Haryana boy wins, Delhi girl does it....Chennai girl - Punjab boy!!! We could do without the states? Have you heard USA report of a Florida boy winning or a Texas girl? Or Australia go like - Melbourne girl wins?"
Usha's Tweet recalled a popular moment from Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Bollywood hit Chak De. SRK, who was playing the role of Hockey coach Kabir Khan, asked each player from the Indian women's hockey team to come forward and introduce themselves. However, each of the players told that they represent a particular Indian state and not teh country. This made Shah Rukh Khan, a.k.a Kabir Khan, tell them that they no longer represent a state but India.
Usha's tweet also drew a great response from Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, who is also an Olympic silver medallist.
Rathore, who won the silver medal in shooting at the 2004 Athens Olympics, replied to Usha's tweet by saying, "India and Indians win each and every time our flag ???? goes up. @indiasports, @media_sai, states and corporates provide facilities but we play for our country, our flag, one nation."
