Squadron Leader Poockoty Govindan was commissioned on 18 Dec 71 and posted to Air Force Station, Gwalior as Station Adjutant. In Apr 78, he was appointed as Secretary, Air Force Sports Control Board at Air Headquarters. During his tenure as Secretary, Air Force Sports Control Board from 1976 to 1984, the Air Force teams performed extremely well and won nearly 8 Championships out of the 17 disciplines in which Inter-Services Championships were held. At the national level, Squadron Leader Govindan is presently the treasure of Indian Hockey Federation, Vice President of Indian Volleyball and Amateur Handball Federations of India. In 1982, he was appointed as the Competition Director for the Handball event in the IX Asian Games held at Delhi. He was also the Manger of the Indian Handball Team of its tour to East Germany in 1982, the Indian Hockey Team for the Four Nations Tournament at Dubai and Kuwait in 1986, Goodwill Games 1986 in the USSR and the Chief de Mission of the Indian contingent for the Champions Trophy at Karachi in 1986. He was a member of the jury in the X Asian Games 1986 at Seoul and VI World Cup 1986 at London.

In July 84 he was posted as the Joint Secretary, Services Sports Control Board. As Joint Secretary, SSCB, his dedication in the conduct, selection and training of service sportsmen in diverse sports disciplines for participation in the National Championships has been amply rewarded. Results shows that 53.3% of the total medals won by India in the X Asian Games at Seoul were by the Services sportsmen.

For his distinguished service in the field of sports in the three services over twenty years, constant dedication and tireless efforts to achieve positive results, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Squadron Leader Poockety Govindan.