Athlete complains of neglect by government

M.R. Poovamma, an Olympian from Mangalore represented India in the 4x400 relay team that participated in the Beijing Olympics.

'It goes without saying' said Prof. Mathew C.Ninan, Principal of Little Rock Indian School, that 'India should scout for athletic and sports talents all through the country and not just the cities'. As usual, politics has made its way in all the fields, including sports and games.

According to him, 'Study and athletics/ games can go well together. Students who do well in athletics will be more disciplined.

Now, getting into the finals of women's 4x400 metre relay at the 2012 London Olympics is the target set by Manglorean Olympian M.R. Poovamma. She is a first year BBM student at SDM college in Mangalore.

Presently she practices for over two hours in the morning and three hours in the evening everyday. So far she has participated in over 8 international- level athletic meets and won several medals.

But, the government has been lackadaisacal in its support. 'Forget about support we don't even have synthetic track at our Mangala Stadium in Mangalore. It is difficult for an athlete to practice in such places. But, I am happy for the support extended by my alma maters-Primary School in Bajpe, Canara High School and St. Mary's PU college and SDM college in Mangalore.

Further, she called upon the private sector or Corporate entities to support in order to pursue their dream for the country.

Currently her coach Dinesh Kundar along with two other coaches have been training over 35 budding athletes in and around Mangalore. They have set a target of 51 seconds to her to finish 400 metres and expressed hope that she would meet that by this December.