Pics: Daya Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network- Mangalore (DV)
Mangalore, Oct 10: Kabaddi queen, Mamatha Poojary, Asian game Kabaddi gold winner was welcomed with fanfare at the Mangalore International Airport, here on Friday, October 10.
After receiving Arjuna Award for her contribution in Kabaddi, it was her first visit to city.
Speaking to media on financial reward, she said "Financial reward of Rs 10 lac is too less for Asian Games medal winners when compared with the financial reward by some other states in the country. Other states are providing good financial support of Rs 50 lac, one crore and two crore for the Asian gold medal winners".
She further said "Initially, it was announced Rs 25 lac but later media reported it as Rs10 lac".
Karnataka Olympic association president, Govindha Raju assured to provide Rs 25 lac for Asian games gold medal winners.
Answering on athletes from Karnataka who wish to play for other states because of very poor financial rewards of the state government, Mamatha said "Athletes from our state playing for other states would be very painful thing for the state. No Athlete should get such kind of feeling; hence, state government should support Athletes. If state government supports them, they will not get the feeling of leaving the state".
Olympic association president, Govinda Raju clearly said that no athlete should go out from the state and the state will provide support to all the athletes. As per the budget, Rs 25 lac is announced for gold winners in Asian games. "We don't wish any athlete to quit the state and government should support and provide all the facilities to athletes. Haryana government is supporting its Athletes by providing them Rs two crore financial reward. State government should also provide more support to athletes. Government should provide all facilities before they get medals. This will help to perform. Athletics has more expenses than other team games".
All athletes have opined that state government should provide Rs 25 lac for Asian game's gold medal winners. Earlier, it was announced as Rs 25 lac. Govinda Raju assured that within two to three days he will schedule a meeting with the CM with regard to reward money.
"Last year, we won against Iran in a tough match with just one point. This year, we won the match with ten points lead", Said Mamatha. About fitness, she said that continuous practise and camps help in building fitness. "Pro-Kabbadi is a nice concept. It has provided a platform for men and it will also inspire women to take part in Kabaddi. If there is an event like Pro-Kabbadi for women, I would like to play for Bangalore", she added.
"After the marriage, the support from husband, mother-in-law and father- in-law helped me to excel in my games", she further told.
Commenting on her team's performance, she lauded the efforts of juniors players who played fearless game.
Her father Bhoja Poojary, mother Kiti Poojary and brother Vishwanath, her husband Abhishek Kotian and other family members were present to receive her at the airport.
On behalf of the district administration Karakala Taluk Tahshildar welcomed Mamatha Poojary.