Mangalore, March 11: Mamatha Poojary, skipper of the Indian women's Kabaddi team that won the World Cup in Patna recently, was given a cordial welcome at Mangalore airport as soon as she landed around 7.30 pm on Sunday.
Hundreds of family members and well-wishers had gathered at the Mangalore airport to welcome their beloved star who made the country proud.
“I am enjoying every moment now after the great win over Iran in the World Cup final,” she said.
“I was interested in playing volleyball in my college days. However, Kabaddi gave me life. I will continue to play well for the country,” said Ms Poojary.
“Now my dream is to see an Indian team winning an Olympic gold, though it is most unlikely to be introduced before the 2020 edition”, she said
She also complained that girls from villages are not encouraged to play kabaddi. “But I am lucky to lead the national team despite hailing from a remote village,” said Ms Poojary, who hails from Yennehole near Ajekar in Karkala taluk.
Ms Poojary, who was also the member of the gold-winning Indian women's Kabaddi team at the Asian Games last year, said it was her coach Ramesh Suvarna who encouraged her to take up kabbadi, when she was studying at Government Junior College in Muniyal.
She was encouraged by Ramakrishna Hegde, Physical Director at Government Junior College in Muniyal and Physical Director at Gokarnanatheshwar College Purshotham.
Mamatha Poojary's parents Bhoja Poojary and Kitti Poojary, brother Vishwanath and sister Madhura were present at the airport to welcome her. Mayor Gulzar Banu, MLA Yogish Bhat joined in welcoming the 'star.'
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