Mangaluru: Asian Games gold medallist MR Poovamma on Thursday voiced her disappointment over the lack of recognition and support accorded to Karnataka athletes, saying there was a marked difference in the treatment of sportspersons from the state and those from elsewhere.Poovamma, who was felicitated at the City Centre Mall here for her latest international achievement, said the issue had left her with a sense of dissatisfaction despite the pride of winning another Asian Games medal.Acknowledging her concern, member of the Legislative Council Ivan D’Souza, who was present at Poovamma’s felicitation ceremony, said Karnataka’s athletes should receive the same recognition as sportspersons from other states.“We are incredibly proud of MR Poovamma, but it is disheartening to see a lack of support and recognition for our homegrown champions. Our local athletes must be treated on par with those from other states, and we will fight tirelessly for this,” he said.D’Souza assured that he would raise the issue with the state govt to ensure due recognition for Karnataka athletes.Poovamma was part of India’s gold-winning women’s 4x400m relay team at the ongoing Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, along with Kiran Pahal, Prachi Choudhary and Vithya Ramraj. The quartet clocked 3:29.69 to win gold. She also won silver in the mixed 4x400m relay with Manu T S, Vishal T K and Vithya Ramraj.Recalling her journey, Poovamma said Mangaluru had been where she learnt the value of hard work and perseverance. “Without the unwavering support of my family, I could never have reached the Asian Games podium,” she said.She also credited a long-term endurance-focused training strategy for her international performances and spoke of the sacrifices made by her parents to ensure that her training continued.“My parents sacrificed everything to ensure my training never stopped,” she said.A prominent name on the international athletics circuit, Poovamma has represented India at the 2008 Beijing, 2016 Rio and 2024 Paris Olympics, competing in the women’s 4x400m relay.
