Machettira Poovamma’s Mother Seeks Greater Government Support After Asian Games Gold
Mangaluru: Kodagu native Poovamma Raju Machettira’s gold-medal-winning performance at the 2026 Asian Games has brought pride to her family and the State, but her mother Jaji has raised concerns over what she described as inadequate support for athletes from the Karnataka government.
Poovamma was part of the Indian women’s 4x400m relay quartet that won the gold medal at the Asian Games in Nagoya on Tuesday, September 29.
Speaking after the victory to Daijiworld TV, Jaji said Poovamma had devoted nearly two decades to athletics and had represented India at major international competitions, including the Olympics and Asian Games.
“Poovamma has been in athletics for nearly 20 years, but we have not received much support from the government. They have supported her to some extent, but whenever she goes to compete in another State, we do not receive support even for the expenses involved,” she said.
Jaji also expressed disappointment that no one from the State had contacted Poovamma to congratulate her after the victory. “Not even a single person called her to wish her. She was feeling very bad about it. When athletes from other States win medals, their respective State governments come forward and congratulate them. But no one from our State even called to wish her,” she said.
She said Poovamma had continued to perform consistently despite the challenges and urged the government to provide greater recognition and financial assistance to athletes.
“Athletics has become her passion. She has been performing consistently well for the last three to four years. At least after seeing her performances and achievements, the government should show some consideration and support her,” Jaji said.
Recalling the family’s struggles in supporting Poovamma’s career, she said they belonged to a middle-class family and had made considerable sacrifices to ensure that she could train and compete.
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