City social organisation Rajiv Vikash Kendra (RVK) on Wednesday felicitated well-known coach Nanda Kishore Patnaik in recognition of his outstanding contribution for the promotion of women`s football in the state.

RVK secretary Suvendu Mohanty handed over a cash award of Rs 25,000 and mementos to Patnaik, who shaped the careers of as many as seven woman football internationals, including former India captain Shradhanjali Samantaray and goalkeeper Ranjita Mohanty.

Patnaik, whose other protegees include Prashanti Pradhan, Sarita Jayanti Behera, Sudipta Dash, Priyanka Priyadarshini and Mamali Das, received the awards at the annual function of local cultural organisation Sudhanidhiswar Yuva Parishad.