Poovamma's first national meet was during her seventh grade, although she did not win any medals. Her coach suggested she try the 400m event at a district-level meet, marking the beginning of her career in this distance. She has since become a key figure in Indian athletics.

Professional Affiliations

She is associated with the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) in India. This organisation supports athletes by allowing them to train and compete internationally while being employed under a sports programme.

Injuries and Setbacks

In 2012, Poovamma faced a major setback when she ruptured the L4-L5 vertebral disc during weight training. This injury sidelined her for ten months, causing her to miss the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

Awards and Recognitions

Despite challenges, Poovamma's dedication has earned her several accolades. In 2015, she received the Arjuna Award from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in India. The following year, she was named the Most Consistent Performer at the GoSports Foundation awards ceremony in Bengaluru.

Family and Personal Life

Poovamma is married to Jithin Paul, who has competed internationally in the 400m hurdles. Her brother, M. R. Manju, has also competed in 400m events at the national level in India. She resides in Mangalore and is fluent in English, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, and Mandarin.

Sporting Philosophy

Poovamma believes that "Discipline is the main formula for success." This motto has guided her through various phases of her career, helping her maintain focus and achieve her goals.

Doping Sanction

In September 2022, Poovamma received a two-year suspension after testing positive for methylhexaneamine at the 2021 Indian Grand Prix in Patiala. Initially suspended for three months by an Indian National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) disciplinary panel, India's Anti-Doping Appeal Panel extended the suspension.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, Poovamma aims to return to competitive athletics after her suspension ends. She plans to continue representing ONGC and hopes to make a strong comeback on both national and international stages.

Poovamma M. R.'s journey is a testament to resilience and dedication. Despite facing injuries and setbacks, she remains committed to her sport and continues to inspire many young athletes in India.