KalingaTimes Correspondent
Bhubaneswar, July 6: Odisha's ace woman rower Mamata Jena was presented the prestigious Ekalabya Award at a ceremony held here on Sunday evening.

The award, instituted by the Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust (IMPaCT), the charitable wing of the IMFA Group, carries a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh and a citation. The award is given every year to an outstanding sportsperson of the state.

State Agriculture Minister Surendra Nath Naik presented

presented Jena the Award for 2007 in the presence of Biju Janata Dal Rajya Sabha Member and chairman of IMPaCT Baijayanta Panda.

Jena has so far won medals in several national and international rowing championships.

Two other rising sportspersons - Kiran Manisha Mohanty (Chess) and Dandu Soren (Athletics) - were also felicitated on the occasion.

They were presented a citation and cash award of Rs 10,000 each for their remarkable performances in various championships.

A number of sportspersons and prominent personalities attended the award presentation ceremony.