Kozhikode: The passing of Sreenivasan, husband of Olympian P T Usha, marks the loss of a constant shadow behind her rise in athletics. A native of Vengalal, Ponnani, Srinivasan (63) had always stood by Usha, supporting her through every victory and challenge.

An inspector with the CISF and a former national-level university kabaddi player, he shared a lifelong passion for sports and played an active role in Usha’s career.

The couple married on April 25, 1991. Sreenivasan was intimately familiar with Usha’s competitions, knowing the timing of each event down to the second. Beyond being her spouse, he had studied her athletic journey with meticulous attention.

He was instrumental in establishing the Usha School of Athletics in Kinaloor, serving as its co-founder and treasurer, and providing steadfast support in the school’s operations. Their son, Dr Vignesh V Ujjwal, a sports medicine specialist, also serves at the Usha School of Athletics.

Sreenivasan was working on creating a museum at home to house Usha’s medals and detailed records of her competitions. Unfortunately, he passed away before the project could be completed.

On Friday at 12.30 am, he collapsed at their home in Perumpalpur’s Pilavullukandi, Thekkepparambil. He was rushed to a nearby private hospital but was declared dead on arrival. P T Usha, who had been attending a parliamentary session, returned home early Friday morning.