Kathmandu: Nepali politicians and personalities from various sectors have expressed their best wishes and congratulations to Palesha Govardhan who won a historic bronze medal for Nepal in the Paris Paralympics 2024.
In women’s under Taekwondo 57 kg event under the K-44 category match held last night, Palesha defeated Serbia’s Marija Michev by 15-8 points to bring a coveted bronze medal for herself and the country. She has become the first Nepali athlete to win a medal in the Paralympics. In the first-round match held on Friday, she had defeated Valeria Morales of Venezuela by 31-0 and made it to the quarterfinals.
Palesha is also the first Nepali athlete to play in the Paralympics after passing the qualifying round. Nepal has started participating in the Paralympics since the 2004 Athens Para-Olympics. Palesha started playing taekwondo since the age of 10 and joined the Para national team in 2016 and has participated in and won medals in various international competitions since then.
“It was a historic moment for both Goverdhan and Nepal. Her coaches raced onto the mat to embrace their nation’s first Paralympic medalist,” wrote Matt Nelsen in Olympics.com.
““It feels surreal,” said Goverdhan, still in a state of awe after her incredible victory.”
Palesha told Olympics.com: “Most people dream, but don’t put the work and effort to make it happen,” she continued. “I did. I gave my all, I worked consistently. I was focused and disciplined.” She added, “The dream that I saw when I was 10 years old finally became a real historical moment.”
President Ramchandra Paudel congratulated her for the historic victory. Taking to his social media account, President Paudel mentioned: “The bronze medal won by Palesha, who has excelled in sports with her different abilities, is a matter of pride for Nepal and Nepali people.”
Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda mentioned on his social media X that Palesha has done all Nepalis proud. Palesha has made history becoming the first athlete from the mountainous Asian nation to win a medal at the Paralympic Games, he wrote. “Congratulations to Palesha on this remarkable achievement which fills all Nepalis with pride.”
Likewise, embassy of UK in Nepal and French embassy have also congratulated Palesha on her victory.
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