An injury to Pooja in February 2007 while playing the National Games, Assam caused her to miss nine months of training. Having recovered, she always had an urge to compete internationally. But she was asked to quit the sport by many. Having a strong will power and determined Pooja did not let the sport go away from her, she came back with a high spirits at the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships, Japan, Mie, her first international competition where she stood 1st amongst the Indian Squad of Rhythmic gymnastics.