Bhopal: Appalled by the sub-standard accommodation provided to her at the 49th National Open Athletics Meet here, the legendary P T Usha broke down in tears as she lambasted Sports Authority of India (SAI) officials for the shabby treatment of athletes.

The celebrated sprinter, here to attend the meet, was left stunned by the apathy of officials, who later apologised to her.

The organisers had arranged her stay at the SAI hostel here but Usha found the accommodation sub-standard and demanded a better place.

"If I get this type of treatment, you can imagine what other athletes get," said Usha with tears in her eyes.

"That is why parents are not encouraging their children to go for sports and that is why we are not getting any medals at the international level," she added.

"I feel insulted.

Also Read
* Australian govt to promote foriegn-born athletes
* Preventing cardiac failure in endurance athletes
* Global economic downturn hits Kenyan athletes
* WADA stands firm on athletes' whereabouts rules