Poovamma was part of India’s gold-winning women’s 4x400m relay team along with Kiran Pahal, Prachi Choudhary and Vithya Ramraj. The Indian quartet clocked 3:29.69 to win the gold medal. Poovamma also secured a silver medal in the mixed 4x400m relay with Manu T.S., Vishal T.K. and Vithya Ramraj.

Her return to Mangaluru was marked by celebrations at the airport, followed by a felicitation programme at City Centre Mall, where supporters gathered to honour the athlete for her latest international achievements.

Grand welcome at Mangaluru airport

Poovamma arrived at Mangaluru International Airport on Friday, October 2, where she was received by family members, sports fraternity representatives, supporters and well-wishers.

The reception reflected the connection Poovamma has developed with Mangaluru during her sporting career. Although she hails from Kodagu, she has strong links with Mangaluru, where she pursued her education and developed important aspects of her athletic career.

A large number of supporters gathered at the airport to congratulate her on winning gold and silver at the Asian Games.

Poovamma expressed her gratitude to those who came to welcome her and acknowledged the support of her family, coaches and the sporting community in her journey.

India wins women’s 4x400m relay gold

Poovamma’s biggest achievement at the 2026 Asian Games came in the women’s 4x400m relay.

She joined Kiran Pahal, Prachi Choudhary and Vithya Ramraj in the final, where India completed the race in 3:29.69 to secure the gold medal. The victory added another Asian Games title to India’s record in the women’s 4x400m relay.

The race was particularly notable for Vithya Ramraj’s strong anchor leg, which helped India finish ahead of its rivals.

Poovamma’s contribution to the quartet came after years of competing at the international level. Her experience in major championships has made her one of India’s established 4x400m relay athletes.

The gold medal was followed by another podium finish in the mixed 4x400m relay, where Poovamma teamed up with Manu T.S., Vishal T.K. and Vithya Ramraj to win silver.

Felicitation held at City Centre Mall

After the airport reception, Poovamma was honoured at a felicitation programme at City Centre Mall in Mangaluru.

Supporters and sports enthusiasts gathered at the venue to celebrate her Asian Games success. The programme provided an opportunity for the athlete to interact with people from the city and speak about her journey in athletics.

Poovamma recalled the role played by Mangaluru in her sporting journey and credited her parents, coaches and family members for helping her continue her career.

She has also spoken about the sacrifices made by her parents to support her training and international competitions. Her family has remained an important part of her long athletic career.

Poovamma’s long international career

The 2026 Asian Games medals add to Poovamma’s extensive international experience.

She has represented India at several major competitions, including the 2008 Beijing Olympics, 2016 Rio Olympics and 2024 Paris Olympics. Her participation in multiple Olympic and Asian Games cycles has made her a prominent figure in Indian relay athletics.

A report on her return to Mangaluru also noted that Poovamma has won multiple Asian Games medals during her career. Her latest gold came as part of India’s women’s 4x400m relay victory, while the mixed relay produced another silver for the Indian team.

Her long career has involved sustained training, international travel and competition at the highest level. The latest Asian Games performance has once again brought attention to her contribution to Indian athletics.

Recognition for Karnataka athlete

Poovamma’s latest achievement has also sparked discussion about recognition and support for athletes from Karnataka.

During a felicitation programme in Mangaluru, Poovamma spoke about the importance of support for athletes representing the state. She expressed disappointment over what she described as inadequate recognition and support compared with athletes from some other states.

Legislative Council member Ivan D’Souza, who was present at the felicitation, said Karnataka athletes should receive recognition and support comparable to sportspersons from other states. He said he would raise the matter with the state government.

The issue has added another dimension to the celebrations surrounding Poovamma’s latest international success, particularly as she continues to represent India at major competitions.

Mangaluru celebrates sporting achievement

The welcome for Poovamma comes at a time when Indian athletes have been producing notable performances at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

Her gold-medal performance in the women’s 4x400m relay and silver in the mixed relay have given supporters in Mangaluru an opportunity to celebrate the success of an athlete with strong local connections.

For the city’s sporting community, Poovamma’s return also highlights the role of local institutions, coaches, family members and supporters in helping athletes progress to the international level.

The airport reception and subsequent felicitation at City Centre Mall demonstrated the public interest surrounding her achievement and provided a platform to recognise her contribution to Indian athletics.

Conclusion

M.R. Poovamma received a grand welcome in Mangaluru after helping India win gold in the women’s 4x400m relay and silver in the mixed 4x400m relay at the 2026 Asian Games. Her return was marked by a reception at Mangaluru International Airport and a felicitation at City Centre Mall. With a career spanning multiple Olympics and Asian Games, Poovamma’s latest success has once again brought attention to her contribution to Indian athletics and the importance of supporting athletes from Karnataka.