``My official timing at the Rome Olympics in 1960 was 45.6 seconds. Also, it was hand-timed and I ran on cinder track. This boy (Paramjit) has done it in 45.70, running on rubber (synthetic) tracks with timings recorded electronically,'' he said reacting to the news of Paramjit Singh breaking his 38-year-old mark.

Milkha added, ``I am glad he has come near my record twice in the last few months, once in Japan and now in Calcutta. As promised, I'll give him Rs one lakh now. I'll ask the Amateur Athletics Federation of India (AAFI) toorganise a function at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi where I'll give him the cheque myself. And, if he repeats the feat at the forthcoming Asian Games in Bangkok, I'll give another Rs 1 lakh.''

Milkha Singh said the AAFI made a blunder by not sending Paramjit for the Commonwealth Games. ``They would then have known where he stands. PT Usha was similarly not sent for competitions in Europe,'' he said.

Does Paramjit's feat of today means that Indian athletics has improved over the years? Milkha Singh does not agree. ``In 400 metres, this boy is doing well. That is all,'' he added.

Talking about India's chances in the December Asian Games in Bangkok, the `Flying Sikh' said: ``A couple of athletes may do well. But I am not too optimistic.'' About PT Usha, he said: ``She had done her best in the past. The event is for youngsters. Although she may do her best, it will not be enough.''