MR Poovamma, who won a gold medal in the 4×400 relay at the 2026 Asian Games, being welcomed at Mangaluru International Airport on Friday
Poovamma, who was felicitated at the City Centre Mall here for her latest international achievement, said the issue had left her with a sense of dissatisfaction despite the pride of winning another Asian Games medal. Acknowledging her concern, member of the Legislative Council Ivan D’Souza, who was present at Poovamma’s felicitation ceremony, said Karnataka’s athletes should receive the same recognition as sportspersons from other states. Our local athletes must be treated on par with those from other states, and we will fight tirelessly for this,” he said.
“We are incredibly proud of MR Poovamma, but it is disheartening to see a lack of support and recognition for our homegrown champions.
Recalling her journey, Poovamma said Mangaluru had been where she learnt the value of hard work and perseverance. “Without the unwavering support of my family, I could never have reached the Asian Games podium,” she said. “My parents sacrificed everything to ensure my training never stopped,” she said.
Poovamma was part of India’s gold-winning women’s 4x400m relay team at the ongoing Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, along with Kiran Pahal, Prachi Choudhary and Vithya Ramraj.