Gold medallist Poovamma gets rousing welcome

Mangaluru: Asian Games gold medallist M R Poovamma received a rousing welcome at Mangaluru International Airport here on Thursday, September 6^th.  She was welcomed by her parents, brother, MLA Vedavyas Kamath, corporator Roopa D Bangera, chairman of Alva’s Education Institution Mohan Alva and others.

Along with Hima Das, Saritaben Laxmanbhai Gayakwad and Velluva Koroth Vismaya, Poovamma had bagged gold medal in Women’s 4 x 400m relay event at the 18th edition of the Asian Games at Jakarta Palembang. Poovamma also won a silver medal in mixed 4x400m relay along with her team of DAS, Yahiya and Rajiv Arokia.

The gold medallist spoke with the media and said, “I received the same welcome at the airport in 2014. My next assignment is the world championship. My parents support was enormous which helped me achieve this feat. I dedicate this medal to my parents and to the victims of Kodagu flood.”

PM too is interested in sports

“We had a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sports minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore. They motivated the Indian contingent which represented the country at Asian Games and assured to help us in future. The performance of juniors was commendable at the Asian Games. Now the junior are getting support and sponsors which will definitely help them in their future. Sports and Athletics department supported us and showed great faith in us,” Poovamma informed.

India bettered their previous record at Asian games, with the medal tally of 15 gold, 24 silver and 30 bronze.