BHUBANESWAR 19-Aug-2012 517
Odisha`s Valena Valentina lived upto her reputation as one of the best woman karatekas of the country by achieving a golden double in the 25th Senior National Karate Championship, which concluded at Talkatora Indoor Stadium in Delhi earlier yesterday. However, the achievement was credited to Andhra Pradesh as Valentina is now pursuing her post graduation in MSW at Kakatiya University in Warangal (AP).
Experienced Valentina won the two gold medals in women`s below 50kg open kata and fight categories. In the final of the fighting category, she beat Sabba Khan of Madhya Pradesh. A disciple of Chennai coach J S Kalaimani, Valentina dedicated her latest achievement to the people of her native city _ Bhubaneswar.
Speaking on her change of allegiance, the stylis karateka said ``I quit Utkal University as I was not allowed to appear the post-graduate exam in Public Administration due to insufficient percentage in attendance. The university authorities did not give me any concession even though I was representing India and Odisha in different championships.``
