Brief
Poovamma wins gold in women’s 4×400 m relay and silver in mixed relay at Asian Games
The Karnataka sprinter celebrated a gold‑medal finish with teammates and a silver in the mixed relay, citing a Polish training camp and her coach’s support.
By Felo News Desk · Published
India’s MR Poovamma, part of Karnataka’s sprint squad, celebrated winning gold in the women’s 4×400 m relay and silver in the 4×400 mixed relay at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, according to the New Indian Express.
What happened
The women’s relay team—Kiran Pahal, Prachi Choudhary, Poovamma and Vithya Ramraj—crossed the finish line first on Tuesday, securing the gold medal. Earlier in the Games, Poovamma ran in the mixed 4×400 m relay that finished second, earning a silver medal.
What the report adds
The article notes that Poovamma’s gold came after a period of dominance from 2002‑2018, a silver‑only result in 2022, and a two‑year doping ban in 2021. It also highlights that the athletes trained in a camp in Poland and were coached by Jamaican Jerry Lee Holness, who encouraged Poovamma despite concerns about competing at age 36.
What was said
Poovamma told the outlet, “We have proved that the golden girls are back!” and added, “Everyone was eagerly waiting to hear the national anthem in the stadium.” She credited her husband Jithin Paul and her coach for their support, saying, “My coach used to send the workouts, and my husband encouraged me to train… He always motivated me, saying, ‘You are in peak form now.’”
How it came about
Poovamma’s preparation included a seven‑month training stint away from her hometown Mangaluru, a Polish camp, and guidance from Holness. Earlier Felo coverage of the Asian Games highlighted the event’s opening in Nagoya and India’s accommodation challenges, providing context for the athletes’ logistical environment.
Key facts
- Poovamma won gold in the women’s 4×400 m relay at the 2026 Asian Games. (newindianexpress.com)
- She also earned a silver medal in the 4×400 mixed relay. (newindianexpress.com)
- The women’s relay team consisted of Kiran Pahal, Prachi Choudhary, Poovamma and Vithya Ramraj. (newindianexpress.com)
- Poovamma trained in Poland and was coached by Jamaican Jerry Lee Holness. (newindianexpress.com)
- She served a two‑year doping ban starting in 2021. (newindianexpress.com)
Sources
- [1] newindianexpress.com — originally reported as “Karnataka athlete Poovamma on bagging gold and silver at Asian Games 2026”
