KATHMANDU, Sept 5: Palesha Goverdhan, Nepal's first Paralympic medalist, attributed her historic win at the Paris Paralympics 2024 to unwavering self-belief. Speaking at a welcome ceremony held at the National Sports Council (NSC) on Wednesday, Palesha reflected on her journey to winning the bronze medal in the women's 57 kg K-44 category, an achievement she described as a proud moment for Nepal.
"Now, we can proudly say that Nepal has an Olympic medal," Palesha declared, acknowledging the immense expectations placed on her by the nation. She emphasized that her belief in herself, even during the most challenging moments, was crucial to her success. Palesha also expressed that this medal is not just her personal achievement but a victory for the entire nation, and she is confident that Nepal will continue to win more Olympic medals in the future.
At the same event, Coach Kaviraj Negi Lama revealed that while their initial aim was to clinch gold, securing the bronze medal during the repechage rounds was still a remarkable achievement. He praised Palesha’s relentless dedication and the unwavering support of her family, stating that this victory proves hard work and determination can lead to Olympic success.
'Bringing home a gold medal is on my bucket list'
National Sports Council Member Secretary Tanklal Ghising highlighted that one of Nepali sports' long-cherished dreams has come true with Palesha’s medal. He announced that she would be rewarded with Rs 6.5 million, a sum she is legally entitled to as a medalist. Ghising further praised Palesha’s achievement as a symbol of national pride and expressed that the nation will continue to honor her contributions. He also lauded Palesha and Erica Gurung, a silver medalist at the Asian Games, as inspiring figures for the youth. Ghising shared that preparations are underway for "Mission 2026," an initiative aimed at winning double-digit medals, including gold, and building on Palesha’s legacy.
Youth and Sports Minister Tejulal Chaudhary extended his gratitude to Palesha for elevating Nepal’s standing on the global stage and urged sports associations to prioritize the development of sports within the country.
Earlier on Wednesday, Palesha Goverdhan, alongside her coach, received a grand welcome at Tribhuvan International Airport, where they were greeted by Youth and Sports Minister Tejulal Chaudhary, NSC Member Secretary Tanklal Ghising, NSC Board Member Anjana Shrestha Maske, Taekwondo Olympian Sangina Baidya, Palesha's parents, national athletes, and a large crowd of supporters. Following their arrival, a special program was held at the NSC to honor Palesha, Coach Lama, and fellow athlete Bharatsingh Mahata for their contributions to Nepal’s sporting history.
Ncell, recognizing the significance of Palesha’s victory, announced a reward of Rs 1 million for her and an additional Rs 1 million for the Paralympic team and coaches. In a statement, Ncell’s CEO, Jabbor Kayumov, expressed immense pride in Palesha’s achievement, noting that it exemplified the courage and determination of Nepal’s para-athletes. Ncell reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) through ongoing training and development initiatives as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts.
The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) also honored Palesha with a cash prize of Rs 500,000, while her coach was awarded Rs 300,000 for their historic achievement. Palesha’s return to Nepal was celebrated with a city tour organized by the NSC, which started from Tribhuvan International Airport and passed through various locations before concluding at the NSC complex in Tripureshwar. The event, joined by Youth and Sports Minister Chaudhary, NSC Member Secretary Ghising, and other dignitaries, marked a triumphant moment in Nepal’s sports history.
