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Poovamma Silences Doubters with Asian Games Gold After Doping Ban Comeback
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News18•29-09-2026, 20:45
Poovamma Silences Doubters with Asian Games Gold After Doping Ban Comeback
- •MR Poovamma, India's most experienced quarter-miler, secured her third Asian Games 4x400m relay gold, silencing critics after missing the 2022 Games due to a doping offense.
- •The 36-year-old athlete described her gold medal win as "revenge" after missing the Tokyo Olympics and Hangzhou Asian Games due to a two-year doping ban in 2021.
- •Poovamma, who also won a silver in the 4x400m mixed relay, emphasized her commitment to continue running as long as she performs well, stating that age is just a number.
- •She credited her family, especially her husband Jithin Paul, a former quarter-miler, for motivating her comeback and supporting her through difficult times.
- •Poovamma's victory marks her sixth Asian Games medal, demonstrating her resilience and determination to return to peak performance after her ban.
Key Questions Answered
This victory marks 36-year-old MR Poovamma's third career 4x400m relay gold medal at the Asian Games, having previously been part of the winning teams in both 2014 and 2018.
MR Poovamma missed the Tokyo Olympics and the Hangzhou Asian Games due to a two-year suspension resulting from a doping offense in 2021 before returning to competition in 2023.
The Indian women's 4x400m relay gold-winning team at the 2026 Asian Games comprised Kiran, MR Poovamma Machettira, Prachi, and Vithya Ramaraj, who clocked a winning time of 3:29.69 minutes.
