Mangaluru: District-in-charge Minister and Minister for Health and Family Welfare U T Khader visited the residence of athlete M R Poovamma and congratulated her on winning a gold medal in the 4x400M relay and a silv…

Mangaluru: District-in-charge Minister and Minister for Health and Family Welfare U T Khader visited the residence of athlete M R Poovamma and congratulated her on winning a gold medal in the 4x400M relay and a silver medal in the mixed relay at the Asian Games.Speaking after felicitating Poovamma, Khader lauded Poovamma’s achievement and said her success had brought pride not only to the country but also to Dakshina Kannada.Asian Games 2026 | Gold medalist MR Poovamma urges Karnataka govt to enhance cash reward for athletes“Poovamma hails from Kodagu, but grew up in Mangaluru and underwent her training here. Her success at the Asian Games is therefore a matter of pride for the district. She is a motivation for the youngsters to achieve success in athletics,” Khader said. The Minister said Poovamma’s discipline, hard work, commitment and determination had helped her reach the international stage. Despite not always receiving the recognition and encouragement she deserved in the past, she continued to work towards her goals with the support of her family. He said Poovamma’s performance should also prompt elected representatives and officials to examine whether athletes in Karnataka were receiving adequate encouragement and facilities. Asian Games medallist Poovamma rues lack of recognition from Karnataka government“Like several other states, Karnataka too needs to look at the support being provided to sportspersons. Discussions will be held on the facilities and incentives required by athletes, and appropriate steps will be taken,” Khader said.The minister said Chief Minister D K Shivakumar had already spoken to Poovamma. He added that the state government will host a felicitation programme in Bengaluru on the evening of October 6 for all athletes from Karnataka who won medals at the Asian Games. The Chief Minister is expected to make  special announcements for the sportspersons during the event.Earlier in the day, MLA D Vedavyasa Kamath, DK MP Capt Brijesh Chowta, Madikeri MLA Dr Mantar Gowda  felicitated her on her achievement. Mysore-Kodagu MP Yaduveer  Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy called her over phone and congratulated her. 

Source: Deccan Herald