Nepal's Paralympic Medalist Palesha Goverdhan Receives historic welcome

Sep 04, 2024

Kathmandu (Nepal), Sep 04 (ANI): 21-year-old Nepali Para-athlete Palesha Goverdhan, who made history by winning a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, received a hero's welcome upon her return on Wednesday. As she exited the airport terminal, she was greeted by hundreds of supporters and fellow taekwondo practitioners, who draped her in “Khada” scarves and flower garlands. A procession of Army bands and taekwondo organizations, along with hundreds of supporters and well-wishers, lined up to welcome the first-ever Olympic medalist from the Himalayan nation. After her warm reception at the airport, the Olympic medalist was paraded through various city locations before being honored at the National Sports Council near Dasaratha Stadium. Officials from the National Sports Council, along with the Sports Minister, joined in celebrating the record-setting athlete’s historic achievement. On August 31st, Palesha Goverdhan made history by defeating Serbia's Marija Micev 15-8 in the bronze medal match of the women’s K44 under 57 kg taekwondo competition, becoming the first athlete from Nepal to win a Paralympic medal. The match was tightly contested, with the score tied at 7-7 and 8-8, but in the final 10 seconds, Palesha delivered a series of decisive kicks that secured the historic victory for Nepal.