Kathmandu, September 4
Nepal is celebrating a historic achievement as Palesa Govardhan secured the country’s first-ever Olympic medal by winning bronze at the Paris Paralympics. Competing in the women’s under-57 kg K44 category, Govardhan’s victory marks a significant milestone for Nepali sports.
Upon her return to Kathmandu, Govardhan was greeted with a grand reception organised by the National Sports Council at Tribhuvan International Airport. The celebration continued with a city-wide tour, attended by the Minister for Youth and Sports, Tejulal Chaudhary, and various officials and supporters.
Govardhan expressed her pride in the achievement, particularly given the limited preparation time. “This success is not just mine but belongs to the entire nation. Now, we can proudly say that we have an Olympic medal too,” she stated.
Govardhan’s win has brought renewed hope and inspiration to Nepali athletes. “For a long time, there was doubt about whether Nepal could ever win an Olympic medal. But I did it, and now all young Taekwondo athletes can see that it’s possible,” she said, emphasising that this victory is just the beginning. “We had limited facilities and only one month of training, but this is just the start. We need to move forward.”
The event marks a pivotal moment in Nepal’s sports history, showcasing the potential of its athletes on the global stage.
