Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Sep 6: Asian Games gold medallist M R Poovamma received a rousing welcome at Mangaluru International Airport here on Thursday, September 6.
Poovamma was welcomed by her parents, brother, MLA Vedavyas Kamath, corporator Roopa D Bangera, chairman of Alva’s Education Institution Mohan Alva and others.
Poovamma, along with Hima Das, Saritaben Laxmanbhai Gayakwad and Velluva Koroth Vismaya bagged gold medal in Women’s 4 x 400m relay event at the 18th edition of the Asian Games at Jakartha Palembang.
Das and Yahiya then teamed up, along with Rajiv Arokia and Poovamma to win a silver medal in mixed 4x400m relay.
India bettered their previous record at Asian games, with a medal tally of 15 gold, 24 silver and 30 bronze.
Speaking to media Poovamma said, "I received the same welcome at the airport in 2014. My next assignment is the world championship. My parents support was enormous which helped me achieve this feat. I dedicate this medal to my parents and to the victims of Kodagu flood.
“We had a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sports minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore. They motivated the Indian contingent which represented the country at Asian Games and assured to help us in future. The performance of juniors was commendable at the Asian Games. Now the junior are getting support and sponsors which will definitely help them in their future. Sports and Athletics department supported us and showed great faith in us,” she said.