Mangaluru: “Hundreds of families have become homeless due to the deluge. The people from my home town, terrified by the floods are now in much pain. Therefore, I am dedicating the gold medal that I have won at the Asian Games to these refugees from my Kodagu.”

These are the words of Machettira Raju Poovamma, who represented India at the Asian Games in Jakarta and was part of the 4×400 meters relay team which won the gold medal. Poovamma spoke with ‘Udayavani’ through the telephone from Jakarta and shared her experience on the golden race.

I am very happy. I am dedicating this medal to those who have lost their homes in Kodagu and become homeless. The reason for my success goes to my father Raju, mother Jaji, brother Manju, sister Likhita and my coach.