KATHMANDU, Sept 5: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has announced that the government will award Palesha Goverdhan, who secured a historic bronze medal for Nepal in the Paralympics held in France, with a cash prize of Rs 6.5 million without any tax deductions.

During a congratulatory and felicitation ceremony held at the PM’s residence in Baluwatar on Wednesday, PM Oli clarified that the full amount of Rs 6.5 million will be awarded as a tax-exempt prize.

A Taekwondo player, Palesha won the bronze medal in the K-44 category under the women's 57 kg weight class at the Paris Paralympics 2024, defeating Serbia's Marija Micev with a score of 15-8. She has become the first Nepali athlete to win a medal in the Paralympics.

According to the National Sports Development Regulations, 2079, medal winners in the Summer Olympics, Winter Olympics, Paralympics, Special Olympics, or World Cup football are entitled to cash prizes from the government. The regulations state that individuals winning a gold medal will receive Rs 13 million, those winning a silver medal will receive Rs 9.7 million, and those winning a bronze medal will receive Rs 6.5 million. Accordingly, Palesha will receive Rs 6.5 million as a cash prize from the Nepal government.

She will become the first Nepali athlete to be awarded in this manner. Palasha's coach, Kabiraj Negi Lama, will receive a prize of Rs 585,000. Similarly, the Nepal Taekwondo Association will receive Rs 1.19 million, as per the regulations.

Earlier on Wednesday, Kathmandu Metropolitan City awarded Palesha and her Coach Negi with cash prizes of Rs 500,000 and Rs 300,000, respectively. 

She arrived in Nepal on Wednesday and was honored with a city tour along with her team.

 
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