Rousing welcome for kabbadi star at home

Hundreds of family members and well-wishers had gathered at the Mangalore airport to welcome their beloved star who has won a gold medal.

“I was interested in playing volleyball in my college days. However, Kabaddi gave me life. I want to play well for the country. I would also like to take up coaching,” said Mamatha. She was taken in an open jeep from the airport to Gokarnanatheshwara temple in Mangalore.
She said “Girls from villages are not encouraged to play kabaddi.

But I am lucky to play Kabaddi in Asian Games.” She said it was her coach Ramesh Suvarna who encouraged her to take up kabbadi, when she was studying at Government Junior College in Muniyal.

She was encouraged by Ramakrishna Hegde, Physical Director at Government Junior College in Muniyal and Physical Director at Gokarnanatheshwar College Purshotham.

“We had prepared to face Iran team in the semi-final. But it was a tough match,” she revealed.

Mamatha’s parents Bhoja Poojary and Kitti Poojary, brother Vishwanath and sister Madhura were present at the airport to welcome her. Mayor Rajani Dugganna, MLA Yogish Bhat who were in the same flight also joined in welcoming the ‘star.’