Mangaluru: Having overcome injuries, setbacks and defeats during a long sporting career, Asian Games gold medallist M R Poovamma is determined to continue her journey and return from the next Asian Games with another gold medal.
Poovamma was honoured by Mohtisham Complexes Pvt Ltd at City Centre Mall in Mangaluru, where she also addressed a press meet and spoke about her sporting journey, the challenges she has faced and her ambitions for the future.
Poovamma reflects on journey of setbacks and success
Speaking at the event, Poovamma said her career had been marked by both victories and difficult phases, including injuries. However, she stressed that setbacks should not prevent an individual from pursuing their goals.
“I have faced many ups and downs and injuries in my life. I have seen both defeat and victory. Age should never be a barrier to achievement,” Poovamma said.
Her remarks reflected the importance of perseverance in a sporting career, where athletes have to deal with injuries, intense competition and the pressure of performing at major international events.
Poovamma said success and failure are both natural parts of life and that athletes should learn from difficult experiences rather than allow them to become obstacles.
Gold after previous Asian Games silver
Recalling the Asian Games relay event, Poovamma said the Indian team entered the competition with a clear objective of upgrading its medal from the previous edition.
The team had won silver at the previous Asian Games, and the experience strengthened its resolve to fight for gold in the latest edition.
“We stepped onto the track with a ‘do or die’ mindset and a firm determination to win gold. Despite strong competition from Bahrain and China, we succeeded in building a good lead,” she recalled.
The race eventually delivered the result the team had been working towards. For Poovamma, the achievement was particularly meaningful because of the journey that preceded it.
She said hearing the Indian national anthem after the victory and seeing the pride on the faces of those around her was one of the most memorable moments of the competition.
‘Failure gives us strength to work harder’
Poovamma said medals alone do not define an athlete’s career. According to her, the ability to recover from disappointment and continue working is equally important.
“Success and failure are natural in life. We cannot expect to see only success. Experiencing failure gives us the strength to work harder and strive for success again,” she said.
The athlete’s comments highlighted the role of resilience in sustaining a career at the highest level. Her own journey has included periods of success as well as injuries and setbacks, making her latest Asian Games achievement another milestone in a career spanning several years.
For young athletes, she said age should not be viewed as a limitation when pursuing sporting ambitions.
Targets another Asian Games campaign
Despite her achievements, Poovamma indicated that she does not consider her international journey complete.
She expressed her determination to continue competing and take on fresh challenges, with the next Asian Games already forming part of her long-term ambition.
Poovamma said she wants to give her best in the coming years and hopes to return from the next edition of the continental multi-sport event with another gold medal.
Her continued ambitions also underline the importance of maintaining fitness and preparing for the demands of international competition, particularly after a career that has involved multiple injuries.
Coaches and family receive credit
Poovamma credited her coaches Vasanth and Dinesh Kunder for their contribution to her sporting career.
She also acknowledged the constant support of her family, saying their encouragement had played an important role in helping her navigate the highs and lows of competitive sport.
For athletes competing at the international level, support from coaches and family often extends beyond training and competition, providing assistance during periods of injury, recovery and personal or professional setbacks.
Poovamma’s latest achievement, therefore, was presented not only as an individual success but also as the outcome of sustained support and preparation over the years.
Poovamma honoured in Mangaluru
The felicitation at City Centre Mall brought together family members, sports officials, public representatives and representatives of Mohtisham Complexes Pvt Ltd.
Poovamma’s mother Jaji Raju, father M G Raju and husband Jithin Paul were present at the event.
Mohtisham directors Syed Mohammed Arshad and Syed Mohammed Sawod, Poovamma’s coach Dinesh Kunder, Sports Department Deputy Director Pradeep D’Souza, MLC Ivan D’Souza, former MUDA chairman Tejomaya and Director of Daijiworld TV Alexis Castelino also attended.
The felicitation recognised Poovamma’s achievements while providing an opportunity for the athlete to share her experiences with the people of Mangaluru.
As she looks towards another Asian Games campaign, Poovamma’s message remains centred on persistence: victories and defeats are part of an athlete’s journey, while the willingness to continue working towards the next goal remains crucial.