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 gold and silver medals at the Asian Games.

Poovamma secured a gold medal in the women’s 4x400m relay and a silver medal in the mixed relay at the continental sporting event.

During his visit, Khader felicitated the athlete and praised her achievements, saying her success had brought pride not only to the country but also to Dakshina Kannada.

Poovamma’s Mangaluru connection highlighted

Khader noted that although Poovamma hails from Kodagu, she grew up in Mangaluru and underwent her athletic training in the coastal city.

“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 achievements demonstrated the importance of perseverance and dedication in competitive sport.

Her association with Mangaluru, particularly the training she received in the city during her formative years, has made her Asian Games success a source of pride for local sports enthusiasts.

Minister praises discipline and determination

Khader lauded Poovamma’s discipline, hard work, commitment and determination, saying these qualities had helped her reach the international stage.

He said the athlete had continued pursuing her sporting ambitions despite not always receiving the recognition and encouragement she deserved in the past.

According to Khader, the support of Poovamma’s family had also played an important role in helping her remain focused on her goals.

The minister said her journey could inspire young athletes in Dakshina Kannada and encourage them to pursue athletics with dedication.

Asian Games success

Poovamma’s medals came in the relay events, where teamwork, coordination and consistency are crucial.

Her gold medal in the 4x400m relay and silver medal in the mixed relay added to her record of achievements in athletics and further highlighted the contribution of athletes from Karnataka to India’s international sporting success.

Khader’s visit was also an acknowledgement of Poovamma’s connection with Mangaluru, where she spent part of her childhood and trained before establishing herself on the international athletics circuit.

The minister’s felicitation provided an opportunity to recognise both her latest achievement and the journey that led her to the Asian Games podium.

Inspiration for young athletes

Khader said Poovamma’s story should serve as an inspiration for youngsters interested in athletics.

He emphasised the role of discipline, sustained effort and determination in achieving success at the highest level of competition.

Poovamma’s experience also highlights the importance of family support and access to training facilities for athletes seeking to progress from local competitions to international events.

Her success is expected to encourage more young people in Mangaluru and Dakshina Kannada to take up athletics and pursue competitive sport.

For the district, Poovamma’s medals represent a significant sporting achievement, particularly given her long association with Mangaluru.

The felicitation by Khader marked a public recognition of that connection and celebrated an athlete whose sporting journey has brought recognition to both Karnataka and Dakshina Kannada.