Daijiworld Media Network - Sullia (SP)

Sullia, Jun 1:  Olympian M R Poovamma will be undergoing a training programme in South Africa along with a contingent of seven other athletes from the country that includes one male member, in preparation for the 2012 Olympics. This was revealed by the athlete herself, during her visit to pilgrimage centre Subrahmanya on Sunday, May 31.

Poovamma, who came to Subrahmanya along with her parents and siblings, offered 'Ashlesha Bali' service to Lord Subrahmanya. She said, she wants to complete her BBM degree through S D M College in the prescribed three years time, in spite of rigorous training regimen.  Because of the examination, she would be going to South Africa a little later than other members of the Indian team, she revealed.

Poovamma, who has secured silver meal in the 400 metre race and gold medal in the 4x400 metres relay in the Junior Commonwealth Games said, she has achieved a timing of 54.5 seconds in the 400 metres race and is confident of improving the same further after undergoing training. Presently, she is spending around six hours daily for training, she added.

The present training, which is one of the series of such trainings scheduled later to the run up to the next Olympics, will cost about Rs 75 to 85 lac per head and Mittal Charitable Trust Mumbai will be meeting this cost, Poovamma said.