Historic Win: Nepal's Palesha Goverdhan Earns First Paralympic Medal

Nepal's para-athlete Palesha Goverdhan, 21, made history by winning the country's first Paralympic medal, a bronze in taekwondo, at Paris 2024. Her return saw a grand welcome featuring hundreds of supporters and national figures. Goverdhan’s success is a landmark moment for Nepal's sports history.

In a momentous achievement for Nepal, 21-year-old para-athlete Palesha Goverdhan secured a bronze medal in taekwondo at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. She was greeted with a resounding welcome upon her return on Wednesday, with hundreds of supporters and fellow taekwondo practitioners surrounding her at the airport. Covered in 'Khada' and flower garlands, Goverdhan walked out of the terminal to jubilation.

The celebration extended beyond the airport as a band of Army and taekwondo organizations paraded alongside a line of well-wishers stretching 300 meters. Young taekwondo enthusiasts, holding flowers and 'Khada', eagerly awaited their chance to greet Nepal's first Olympic medalist. After the airport, Goverdhan was taken through the city and finally to the National Sports Council near the Dasaratha Stadium, where officials, including the Sports Minister, felicitated her.

"I kept my promise and brought a medal home," said Goverdhan during the ceremony. "This achievement is for all of us. It shows that Nepal can indeed win an Olympic medal." On August 30, Goverdhan made history by defeating Marija Micev of Serbia 15-8 in the women's K44 under 57 kg bronze medal match. Her victory marks a significant milestone in Nepal's sporting history, as she became the first Nepali to win a medal at an Olympic level.

(With inputs from agencies.)