Kathmandu: The government has hounoured Palesha Goverdhan, a Paralympic athlete, for her historic achievement in the Paris 2024 Paralympics. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli handed Rs 6.5 million (without tax deduction) to para-taekwondo player in recognition of her historic performance in the event.
Palesha clinched the first bronze medal for the country from the Paris Paralympics. Council of Ministers last week had decided to honor the 21-year-old athlete with the cash prize. The prize distribution ceremony was held amidst a special ceremony at the Prime Minister’s official residence, Baluwatar by the Ministry of Youths and Sports. The government also awarded her coach Kabiraj Negi Lama with a cash prize of Rs 585,000 and her team manager Ramchandra Shrestha with Rs 292,000. On the occasion, the Prime Minister announced that the decision to not impose tax on the prize amount for sports is to encourage this sector. He expressed his hope that the government would achieve more success in the international forum. He said, “The achievement of Palesha is the first highest sports award for the country and the pride for Nepal”.
Minister for Youth and Sports, Tejulal Chaudhary, Secretary Suman Raj Aryal, National Sports Council’s member secretary Tankalal Ghishing, and Nepal Taekwondo Association officials were present on the occasion. The Minister pledged to make efforts for enabling the atmosphere for the higher studies for Palesha and her participation in the upcoming Asian Games.
Nepali political parties, including Nepali Congress and Maoist Center, as well as a number of organizations have been providing cash incentives to Goverdhan for the historic win.
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