Udupi: Olympian Poovamma Feted at Brahmavar - Bats for Synthetic Track in Mangalore
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)
Udupi, Aug 29: Athlete M R Poovamma from Dakshina Kannada district who represented India as a member of the Indian relay team at the recently-concluded Beijing Olympics, said that laying of a synthetic track at Mangalore has to be taken up immediately, if world-class athletes have to emerge from the region and to be able to represent the country in the future Olympics and become medal prospects for the country. Poovamma, a sprinter born in Kodagu, is pursuing studies at SDM College of Management, Mangalore.
Poovamma was expressing her opinion after accepting a felicitation accorded to her by Brahmavar Sports club in association with SMS College at a function organized on Friday August 29 at SMS College Brahmavar as part of international sports day celebrations. Little Rock Indian School principal Mathew C Ninan honoured Poovamma. A cheque for Rs 20,000 was also handed over by the club to Poovamma. Her coach Dinesh Kunder and 26 sports persons, who competed in the primary, high school, PU College and college categories at the state and national-level, were also feted. College principal Prof K Narayanan presided. Zilla panchayat member Bhujang Shetty was the chief guest. Brahmavar Sports Club secretary Gregory D'Silva was present.
Representing the country at the Beijing Olympics was a heartening experience. "Though I reached Beijing late, I did not find it hard to adjust to the climate there. Our boarding and lodging facilities had been provided within a short distance from the Olympics site. This experience has taught me how to participate in international events and the prior preparations needed for them," she explained.
India has many talented sports persons. However, because of lack of support and encouragement from the government, they are unable to shine. If the government extends proper facilities and encouragement to them, they can win several medals in future, as against just three at the Beijing Olympics, she explained.
Poovamma is confident, that she will be winning the individual 400 metres race in the Youth Commonwealth Sports Meet being held in October next year at Delhi. "In the next London Olympics too, I will compete in individual events," she said.
Dinesh Kunder, who has been providing training to Poovamma since the last four years, said that Poovamma is a bright future sports star of India. Apart from the will to learn everything quickly, she has got strong determination to achieve highly in the coming days. A synthetic track should be laid in Mangalore to enable the athletes to get proper training. The government has not been extending any facilities to sports persons of the twin districts, he said and urged the district administration to at least provide synthetic track for the athletes of the district immediately.