Mamatha Poojary expresses desire to play in women's Pro Kabaddi League

Kabaddi champ arrives

Mamata Poojary, member of Indian women’s Kabaddi team that won the gold in the Incheon Asiad, said that it is a tragedy that athletes from Karnataka are representing other states. If the athletes receive good support from the State government, then they will not take such a harsh decision.

Speaking to mediapersons on her arrival at Mangalore International Airport here on Friday, she said that the State government announcing Rs 10 lakh for the medal winners at international events is a meagre amount for a player. “Our counterparts in Haryana get Rs two crore from the government. We feel ashamed to tell our prize money from the State government. Govinda Raju of Olympic Association has said that the government has earmarked Rs 25 lakh each for the medal winners in the budget and has appealed to the athletes not to move away from the State. I had received Rs 10 lakh when we had won Gold in the Asiad in 2010. When we won World Champions, I was given only Rs five lakh,” she lamented.

Stating that ‘10’ is her lucky number, Poojary said that this was her 10th international event. “I have been playing since 2006. In the last Asiad, we had won against Iran by one point. We had expected a tough fight this year. All the team members played with a spirit and won by 10 points.” Praising Pro Kabaddi League, she said that she would love to participate in the women’s Pro Kabaddi League by representing Bangalore. I was not sure of continuing my dream game after my marriage. However, my husband, and in- laws are continuously supporting my career.” 

Poojary is visiting the native first time after winning the Arjuna Award. “I could not visit home before leaving for Asiad. Arjuna Award is a greatest award an athlete can dream of. I have to get ready to participate in Asian Beach Games at Thailand scheduled to be held from November 19 to 22.”

“This year, the Kabaddi team was full of youngsters. My captain and myself were seniors. The physique of Iran team was much better than our players. As all of us played with self-confidence without any fear, we could win the medal,” she said. Mamatha’s husband Abhishek Kotian said “Kabaddi is her life. She is one of the best players in the country. In such a scenario, we have to support her instead of discouraging her.”  Mamata was given a cordial welcome by the supporters and family members. She was welcomed by father Boja Poojary, mother Kittu Poojarthi, brother Vishwanath and others.

Brother Vishwanath said “I was confident of Indian Kabaddi team winning the gold at Asiad. A day before the final match, Mamatha had called home and was confident of winning the medal.”