Palesha Goverdhan returns to Kathmandu as Nepal’s First Paralympic Medalist, receives Hero’s welcome

Palesha Goverdhan, who earned Nepal its first Paralympic medal, returned to Kathmandu on Wednesday to a hero’s welcome. Palesha secured a bronze in the under-57 kg taekwondo category at the Paris Paralympics, becoming the first Nepali to win an Olympic-level medal.

Sports Minister Tej Lal Chaudhary and a large crowd greeted her at Tribhuvan International Airport. Palesha defeated Serbia’s Maria Misev 15-8 to clinch the bronze.

She will receive 6.5 million NPR as per the Sports Development Regulation. The Ministry of Youth and Sports is working to disburse the prize money within a week. Following her arrival, she was honored with a city tour ending at the National Sports Council.