Woman Fide Master Saina Salonika was given a warm reception by chess lovers, friends and family members at the Biju Patnaik International Airport here on her arrival on Tuesday.
Saina bagged the gold medal in the Commonwealth Chess Championship in the under -14 girl category which concluded in New Delhi on Monday. This was her third Commonwealth medal.
Visibly elated by her accomplishment, Saina told media that the tournament was tough and her win against top seed Jishitha D was the turning point which was a morale booster for her. Her focus would be the World Championship at Uruguay to be held in September.
She thanked the KIIT International school authorities, especially founder of KIIT and KISS Achyuta Samant for his continued support and cooperation.