Mangalore, October 10: Asian game Kabaddi gold winner, Mamatha Poojary, was warmly welcomed at the Mangalore International Airport, Bajpe on Friday, October 10th.
Conversing with the media about financial reward, she said “Financial reward of Rs 10 lakhs is very less for Asian Games medal winners in comparison with the financial reward by other states in the country. Other states are providing good financial support of Rs 50 lakhs, one crore and two crore for the Asian gold medal winners”.
She further said “Initially, it was announced Rs 25 lakhs but later media reported it as Rs10 lakhs”.
Govindha Raju president of Karnataka Olympic association had assured to provide Rs 25 lakhs for Asian games gold medal winners.
Speaking on athletes from Karnataka who wish to play on behalf of other states because of very poor financial rewards of the state government, Mamatha said “Athletes from our state playing for other states would be very painful thing for the state. No Athlete should get such kind of feeling; hence, state government should support Athletes. If state government supports them, they will not get the feeling of leaving the state”.
Olympic association president, Govinda Raju clearly said that no athlete should go out from the state and the state will provide support to all the athletes. As per the budget, Rs 25 lakhs is announced for gold winners in Asian games. “We don’t wish any athlete to quit the state and government should support and provide all the facilities to athletes. Haryana government is supporting its Athletes by providing them Rs two crore financial reward. State government should also provide more support to athletes. Government should provide all facilities before they get medals. This will help to perform. Athletics has more expenses than other team games”.
All athletes have opined that state government ought to provide Rs 25 lakhs for Asian games gold medal winners. Earlier, it was announced as Rs 25 lakhs. Govinda Raju assured that within two to three days he would schedule a meeting with the CM regarding the reward amount.
Mamatha said, “Last year, we won against Iran in a tough match with just one point. This year, we won the match with ten points lead”. About fitness, she said that continuous practise and camps help in building fitness. “Pro-Kabbadi is a nice concept. It has provided a platform for men and it will also inspire women to take part in Kabaddi. If there is an event like Pro-Kabbadi for women, I would like to play for Bangalore”, she added.
she said, “The support from my husband, and in-laws post my marriage helped me to excel in my games”.
Speaking on her team’s performance, she praised the junior players who played the game well.
At the airport, her father Bhoja Poojary, mother Kiti Poojary and brother Vishwanath, her husband Abhishek Kotian and other family members received her.Karakala Taluk Tahshildar welcomed Mamatha Poojary on behalf of the district administration.
