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According to Poovamma, the calls came after media reports highlighted that she had not received any communication from state leaders following her gold-medal win.
Asian Games gold medalist MR Poovamma (ANI photo)
Asian Games gold medallist MR Poovamma said she was disappointed after no one from Karnataka contacted her immediately after she secured a gold medal for India at the 2026 Asian Games.
Speaking to CNN-News18, the 36-year-old athlete said she received calls from Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara two days after her victory. According to Poovamma, the calls came after media reports highlighted that she had not received any communication from state leaders following her gold-medal win.
Poovamma, who hails from Karnataka’s Dakshina Kannada region, said she had not received a call from anyone in the region either.
She said Shivakumar also assured her that the state government would increase the cash prize for its athletes and felicitate her for her performance.
Poovamma was part of the Indian women’s 4x400m relay team that won gold at the Asian Games, alongside Kiran Pahal, Prachi Choudhary and Vithya Ramraj. The quartet clocked 3:29.69 in the final.
The gold was particularly significant for Poovamma, who missed the 2022 Asian Games following a doping offence. Speaking about her journey, she credited her family for standing by her and making sacrifices that helped shape her career.
Poovamma also had a message for young athletes, saying age should not become a barrier and that sustained hard work eventually bears fruit.
About the Author
Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers politics and a wide range of hard news, with a keen interest in national and international d…Read More
Karnataka, India, India
October 02, 2026, 3:18 PM IST
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