Mahanadi Coalfields Limited, a subsidiary of Coal India, awarded Rs 1 lakh to the Odisha woman karate international Valena Valentina in a simple ceremony at the MCL office here today.

MCL Chairman-cum-Managing Director A N Sahay presented the cheque to Valentine, who had won gold medals in the South Asian Karate Championship and Senior National Karate Championship earlier this year at Talkatora Indoor Stadium in New Delhi.

Sahay congratulated Valentina on her achievements and wished her all success in the days to come.
Expressing her gratitude to the MCL, Valena said: ``Support from a corporate like MCL is indeed a big motivation for a sportsperson.``

``I will work hard to bring more laurels to the nation,`` added Valena, who is scheduled to participate in the upcoming WKF World Karate Championship to be held in Germany from October 4 to 10.
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PHOTO: MCL CMD A N Sahay hands over the award to Valena Valentina on Thursday.