Mangaluru: It was a much more subdued yet warm homecoming for Namma Kudla’s golden girl M R Poovamma. Compared to the fanfare that was associated with her homecoming from Incheon in 2014, it was a smaller welcome with elected representatives, sports lovers and her family and friends receiving her when she landed at Mangaluru International Airport from Delhi. A beaming Poovamma sported the gold and silver medals she won in Jakarta Once she got home in Agraja Vivanta in the quiet Urwa Market neighbourhood, Poovamma tucked into kori rotti, chicken curry, chicken kebabs, fish fry and holige that her mother Jaji prepared with care right since the morning. “I was literally craving for home food and my mother who knows my favourite dishes did not disappoint. I had to stop her from extending the menu,” Poovamma told TOI.Noting that it was a heady feeling to win the gold and silver in the newly-introduced event in Jakarta, including a double in India’s favourite event in Asian quadrennial showpiece – the 4x400metre relay, Poovamma said she will use the time on hand to catch up with friends and family. “I do not have immediate sporting assignments or camps to attend and will use this breather to relax and unwind and also savour the Jakarta win,” Poovamma said.Reflecting on the Asian Games squad meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi, Poovamma said the lucidity with which he interacted with the athletes left her awestruck. The fact that he knew the athletes by their name and also their background from which they came and their exploits was amazing, she said. “He was motivational not just to the winners, but also to those who failed to bring home medals, reminding them of their potential,” she said.As news of Poovamma’s arrival spread, her family and friends started trickling in, leaving the Machettira household busy. Her father M G Raju and her brother Manju joined Jaji in entertaining visitors that included Manju’s office colleagues as well as DK MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, who came home with bouquets, shawls and fruit bowls. Nalin also inquired about her meeting with PM Narendra Modi at his home office in Delhi on Wednesday.

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