Asian Games gold medallist M.R. Poovamma urges Karnataka to hike athletes’ cash incentives

Asian Games gold medallist M.R. Poovamma urges Karnataka to hike athletes’ cash incentives

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Oct 3, 2026: Asian Games gold medallist M.R. Poovamma has urged the Karnataka government to substantially increase the cash incentives offered to state athletes who win medals at international and global sporting events, citing higher rewards provided by other states.

Poovamma, who arrived in Mangaluru after winning gold for India in the women’s 4x400m relay at the Asian Games, was speaking at a press conference held at City Centre Mall.

She said states such as Haryana, Punjab and Kerala provide Asian Games gold medallists with cash rewards of ₹3–4 crore along with senior government positions at the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) level. In contrast, Karnataka currently offers ₹35 lakh for an Asian Games gold medal, she said.

Poovamma urged the state government to address the disparity and provide Karnataka’s athletes with appropriate recognition, incentives and facilities.

‘No recognition at the moment of victory’

Poovamma also expressed disappointment over the absence of an immediate congratulatory call from the Karnataka government after her Asian Games victory.

She said athletes from other states received calls from their respective chief ministers and sports ministers soon after winning medals. Despite representing Karnataka for the past 23 years and bringing laurels to the country, she said she did not receive a congratulatory call from the state government immediately after winning gold.

“When athletes from other states asked me who had called from my state, I had no answer. I felt deeply disappointed,” she said.

Poovamma added that after her return to India, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Deputy Chief Minister Dr G. Parameshwara and several others called and congratulated her.

‘We were determined to win gold’

Sharing her experience from the competition, Poovamma said the Indian women’s relay team was determined to win gold after securing silver at the previous Asian Games.

“We entered the competition with a do-or-die approach and were determined to win gold,” she said.

Despite strong competition from Bahrain and China, the Indian team managed to establish a good lead and secure the top position.

Poovamma said hearing the national anthem being played on the athletics track after their victory was a moment of immense pride for the entire team.