CM promises to increase cash prize for Poovamma

Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy has promised additional cash prize for Karnataka quartermiler M R Poovamma who clinched a gold in the 4X400 metres women’s relay at the Asian Games in Jakarta.

Felicitating Poovamma during a review meeting in Mangaluru on Friday, he handed over a cheque for Rs 25 lakh for winning the gold and Rs 15 lakh for winning the silver in the mixed relay.

When Poovamma brought to the notice of the chief minister that Rs 35 lakh cash has been announced for bronze medal winners by the Gujarat government, he said that he will consult officials in Bengaluru and promised to increase the cash amount.

Speaking after the felicitation, Poovamma said, “It is a proud moment for me. The chief minister has felicitated me and has promised all help in taking part in the Olympics.”

“The site that was sanctioned in the past has not been handed over to me. The chief minister has promised to sanction the site in Mangaluru immediately,” she said.