Banking on development work, Olympian Krishna eyes a second term in the Rajasthan assembly 

Sportsperson-turned-politician Krishna Poonia, a two-time Olympian discus thrower, is set to contest for a second term in the Rajasthan assembly.

The sitting MLA from the Sadulpur constituency in Churu district, Rajasthan, Krishna aims for re-election after debuting in the state's political landscape in 2018 on a Congress ticket.

Her political influence extended beyond her constituency as she assumed the role of chairperson of the Rajasthan Sports Council in the incumbent government.

Krishna's tenure witnessed substantial progress, including the formulation of a new sports policy and the recruitment of coaches across the state.

Sadulpur, also known as Rajgarh, is an athletics hub in the state, nurturing national and international athletes and significantly contributing to the armed forces. Despite its sporting prowess, the region had long suffered from inadequate facilities until Commonwealth Games gold medalist Krishna became the elected representative. Her leadership spurred developmental initiatives, particularly in sports, and resulted in the construction of a state-of-the-art stadium with a synthetic athletic track for her constituency.

Rajgarh also saw the recruitment of over 20 coaches by the sports council.

Beyond sports, Krishna articulates a multifaceted agenda encompassing education, healthcare, and access to clean drinking water as paramount priorities for Sadulpur's overall development.

Before entering electoral politics in 2013, Padma Shri awardee Krishna served as the brand ambassador for 'Save the Girl Child' and focused on educating girls in rural areas of Rajasthan.

She lost in 2013 but registered a win in her second attempt in 2018. 'I am relying on my track record of development work,' says Krishna, who hails from Agroha in Hisar and is married to Dronacharya awardee Virender Poonia, who hails from Gagarwas in Rajgarh Tehsil.

Krishna, being the head of the state sports council, played a pivotal role in organizing Rural and Urban Olympics in Rajasthan, contributing significantly to mobilizing people across the state.

In the 2023 electoral arena, Krishna faces competition from former BSP MLA Manoj Nyangli and BJP's Sumitra Poonia, daughter-in-law of former Congress MLA Nandlal Poonia.

The polling will take place on November 25, and the counting will be on December 3.