Government Awards Cash Prize of 6.5 Million to Paralympic Medalist Palesha
Neeroj
Sep 13, 2024
The government has awarded a cash prize of Rs 6.5 million to Paralympian Palesha Govardhan for her historic achievement at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
According to RSS, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Friday presented the para-taekwondo player with the cash prize in recognition of her bronze medal, the first-ever for Nepal at the Paralympics. The Council of Ministers had earlier decided on September 5 to award the 21-year-old athlete for her achievement.
The prize distribution took place during a special ceremony at the prime minister's official residence in Baluwatar, organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
In addition to Palesha’s award, her coach Kabiraj Negi Lama received Rs 585,000, and her team manager Ramchandra Shrestha was awarded Rs 292,000.
During the event, Prime Minister Oli announced that the prize amounts for athletes would be exempt from taxes as part of the government’s effort to promote sports, RSS added.
He further expressed hope that the country would see more success in international sports, saying, "Palesha’s achievement is the highest sports honor for the country and a source of inspiration for Nepal."
Also present at the event were Minister for Youth and Sports Tejulal Chaudhary, Secretary Suman Raj Aryal, National Sports Council Member Secretary Tankalal Ghishing, and officials from the Nepal Taekwondo Association.
The sports minister pledged to facilitate opportunities for Palesha's higher education and ensure her participation in the upcoming Asian Games.
