Athletics
Many people asked when Poovamma will stop: 36-year-old wins third Asian Games relay gold
MR Poovamma answered her doubters by winning a third Asian Games women’s 4x400m relay gold at 36 and insists she has no plans to retire.
Kiran Pahal, Machettira Poovamma, Prachi Choudhary, Vithya Ramraj (Photo credit: PTI)
Missing out on the 2022 Asian Games due to a doping offence had hurt MR Poovamma immensely, and the country's most experienced quarter-miler couldn't be happier after making 'Doubting Thomases' eat humble pie after playing her part in a gold-winning performance by the Indian women's 4x400m relay team at the Asian Games here on Tuesday.
This was 36-year-old Poovamma's third 4x400m relay gold in the Asian Games, having been part of the 2014 and 2018 teams.
"This is my sixth Asian Games medal. I wanted this medal because after 2022, I wanted to come back very badly. Because of some issues (doping ban in 2021), I missed the Tokyo Olympics (2021) and the Hangzhou Asian Games (2023).
"And this is a revenge. I have now won a gold and silver (4x400m mixed relay) in the Asian Games here."
Even at this age, Poovamma is a key member of the women's 4x400m relay and the mixed 4x400m relay teams.
"There were a lot of people who said whether Poovamma would be able to win a medal. Everyone was waiting. Many people asked when Poovamma will stop; some athletes can take in my place.
"But why should I give up when I am performing well? Till I am performing, I will never give up. That is my promise. I know, I was not at my peak in 2025. But in 2026, I clocked 53 seconds (in 400m).
"No matter what age is, it's just a number. It's only the hard work and motivation which matter. I love my sport. Maybe even at 40, I might keep on running. I am still in my peak performance, and I do not have that mindset to retire. I am not retiring."
Poovamma was banned for two years for a doping offence in 2021. She made a return to competition in 2023.
She credited her family and husband Jithin Paul for the comeback and for the medals she won subsequently. Jithin is a former quarter-miler who represented India.
"My parents know. My husband knows that very well. When my issues were going on, I was so depressed. I don't know what situation I went through. My husband is the one who motivated me.
"After marriage, people may think about dropping sports and all. But he is the one who told me to continue. He would cook for me so that I would not get tired from training. He had done a lot to me.
"And my mom used to come and stay in Pune, so that I train without any difficulties. So I am very thankful to them."
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Bridge Desk. It is published from a syndicated feed)