Two Days After Asian Games Gold, Karnataka CM Congratulates Kodagu’s Poovamma
Bengaluru: Two days after Kodagu native sprinter M.R. Poovamma helped India win gold in the women’s 4x400m relay at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar congratulated her on social media on Thursday.
Mr. Shivakumar also acknowledged Poovamma’s silver-medal performance in the mixed 4x400m relay.
“A golden moment for Karnataka and India. Heartiest congratulations to M.R. Poovamma on her outstanding performance at the Asian Games 2026 - winning Gold in the Women’s 4×400m Relay and Silver in the 4×400m Mixed Relay. Congratulations, Poovamma! Your determination continues to inspire and make us proud!” he posted on X.
Poovamma was part of the Indian women’s 4x400m relay quartet that won gold on September 29. Running alongside Kiran Pahal, Prachi and Vithya Ramraj, she helped India clock 3:29.69 in the final. Bahrain finished second, while China secured the bronze.
The victory gave India its first gold medal in track and field at the ongoing continental Games.
A native of Kodagu, Poovamma is a recipient of the Arjuna Award, which she received in 2015 for her contribution to athletics. She has represented India at major international competitions, including the Olympics and Asian Games. She is the daughter of M.G. Raju and Jaji and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from SDM College of Business Management, Mangaluru.
However, a day after her daughter’s Asian Games victory, Poovamma’s mother Jaji raised concerns over the support extended to athletes by the Karnataka government.
Speaking to Daijiworld TV on September 30, Jaji said Poovamma had devoted nearly two decades to athletics and had represented India at major international competitions.
“Poovamma has been in athletics for nearly 20 years, but we have not received much support from the government,” she said, adding that while Poovamma had received some assistance, support for expenses when competing in other States had been limited.
If you appreciate our work, please consider supporting us with a donation. You may contribute via Google Pay, PhonePe or Paytm at: 9980855901
To advertise on The Kodagu Express website, kindly call us at 9108795369 or mail us at thekodaguexpress@gmail.com
Join The Kodagu Express WhatsApp Group: CLICK HERE
Follow us on Instagram and X(Twitter)
Other states encourage their outstanding sports persons by financial support but not in karnataka, there must be a fund to render financial support.