Valena Valentine became Orissa`s first medallist in the 34th National Games, bagging one gold and one silver in women`s karate event at Ranchi in Jharakhand today. Bhubaneswar girl Valena emerged champion in the 50kg kata category, defeating opponents from Maharastra, Madhya Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh. But in kumute (fight), she finished second, losing her final bout to Saba Khan (Madhya Pradesh) by 5-6 points in tie-breaker.

Orissa Olympic Association secretary Asirbad Behera, who was present at Ranchi, congratulated Valena for her impressive success. ``She won two bronze medals in the 33rd National Games at Guwahati in 2007. This time we expected her to better the previous achievement. I am happy that Valena lived up to our expectations,`` the OOA secretary said.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PHOTO: OOA secretary Asirbad Behera (Left) congratulates Valena Valentina in Ranchi on Sunday.