Odisha chess prodigy Saina Salonika receives National Child Award

Odisha’s child chess prodigy and World U-10 Girls’ Chess Champion Saina Salonika received the National Child Award 2014 for exceptional achievements  from President of India Pranab Mmukherjee today.

In a grand ceremony organised in the Durbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan on the occasion of Children`s Day, President Pranab Mukherjee handed over the Award, which includesa citation, a silver medal and Rs 10, 000 in cash, to Woman Candidate Master Saina.

Twenty children from different parts of the country, who have excelled in different fields like Carnatic music, Hindustani music, computer application, innovative skills, scientific innovations, mountaineering,, painting, bravery etc, also received silver medals.

Three organisations and  three individuals also received National Child Welfare Award for their extraordinary work in the field of child development.

Saina got the National Child Award for Exceptional Achievements for her outstanding performance in the field of Chess, modeling, anchoring, dance, fashion show, English Olympiad and philately.

Saina expressed her gratitude to AN Sahay, CMD MCL and KIIT authorities for their encouragement and support.