Poovamma accorded warm reception at airport

Olympian M R Poovamma, who won a gold medal in 4X400 metre relay and silver in the mixed relay in the recently concluded Asian Games, was accorded a warm welcome by the district administration, Zilla Panchayat, Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports at Mangaluru International Airport on Thursday.

On the occasion, Poovamma dedicated her medals to her parents and the flood victims of Kodagu. “I have achieved success because of the constant support of my parents,” she said elatedly.

“I am happy over the reception in my hometown. I had received a similar reception in 2014. I have to prepare for Asian Championship and World Championship which will be held next year. The training camp will be held from October. I want to participate in 2020 Olympics and training for it will start next year,” she said.

She said that she had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Sports Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and they have promised of all support and assistance to her.

Mangaluru City South MLA D Vedavyas Kamath said Poovamma has brought laurels not only to the country but also to the state and the district.

He urged the state government to announce Rs 1 crore and a government site in Mangaluru to Poovamma.

Representing the state and country, Poovamma has won several medals in the international events. The government should support her by announcing a site for her in Mangaluru. Poovamma’s family had already applied for a site to Mangaluru Urban Development Authority four years ago. Without any delay, the site should be sanctioned to Poovamma now, he urged the government.

Poovamma has worked hard for her achievement. Considering her hard work, the government should announce cash prize of Rs 1 crore and support her further, he
said.

The MLA said that he will meet Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and impress upon him the need to announce a cash prize to Poovamma.

Former minister Abhayachandra Jain, Opposition leader in Mangaluru City Corporation Council Premananda Shetty, Corporator Roopa D Bangera, Alva’s Education Foundation Chairman Dr M Mohan Alva, Sahyadri College of Engineering and Management Chairman Manjunath Bhandary and others were present at the airport on the occasion.