Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has congratulated Karnataka athlete M.R. Poovamma for her gold medal-winning performance at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Poovamma was part of the Indian women’s 4x400-metre relay team that won the gold medal at the continental sporting event. The Indian quartet of Kiran Pahal, M.R. Poovamma, Prachi and Vithya Ramraj finished the race in 3:29.69 ahead of Bahrain and China.
The achievement has brought attention to Poovamma’s return to the Asian Games podium and her role in Indian athletics.
Karnataka Athlete of Gold Medal-Winning Team
The 4x400m relay victory for India was a great victory for India’s athletics delegation at the 2026 Asian Games. India finished the race ahead of Bahrain, the silver medalist, as well as China, the bronze medalist.
Poovamma’s inclusion in the gold medal-winning quartet was another great achievement in her long career in Indian athletics.
The official Prime Minister's Office also congratulated Poovamma, Kiran Pahal, Prachi and Vithya Ramraj because of their relay win, and their performance is a great example of teamwork and a proud moment for Indian athletics.
DK Shivakumar Extends Congratulations
D.K. Shivakumar praised Poovamma for her performance and told us about the significance of the achievement for Karnataka and India.
Shivakumar also recognized Poovamma's performance in the mixed 4x400m relay, where she won a silver medal earlier in the Games, as also reported.
The congratulatory message comes as Poovamma receives recognition in Karnataka after her performance at the Asian Games.
Poovamma's Second Relay Medal at the Games
The women’s 4x400m relay gold was not Poovamma’s only medal at the 2026 Asian Games. She was also part of India’s mixed 4x400m relay team that won silver. The team consisted of Manu TS, Poovamma MR, Vishal TK and Vithya Ramraj.
Her gold and silver medals add to India’s relay success at the Games.
Poovamma has spoken later about winning the gold medal and the journey that brought her back to the Asian Games podium. She also spoke of the love of family; they were very supportive in her life and how difficult it was at the time.
That’s a proud moment for Karnataka Athletics
Poovamma's accomplishment has brought celebrations in Karnataka, and the athlete received recognition once she returned from the Asian Games. She was also welcomed in Mangaluru after her gold medal-winning performance.
The 4x400m relay victory also marked India's athletics gold at the 2026 Asian Games. The result brought Indian athletes' medal count and the country's women athletes to the fore throughout the continent.
For Poovamma, the gold is another major step in a career with many Asian Games. Her performance with Kiran Pahal, Prachi and Vithya Ramraj helped India win the women's 4x400m relay.
Shivakumar's message has added to the recognition being received by the Karnataka athlete following her Asian Games success.
