Now Nepal Also Has an Olympic Medal: Palesha Govardhan

Palesha Govardhan, Nepal's historic medal winner, said that self-belief was the key to her victory. Speaking at a welcome ceremony held at the National Sports Council (NSC) on Wednesday, Palesha attributed her success in winning the bronze medal at the Paris Paralympics to believing in herself. 

"Now, we can proudly say that Nepal also has an Olympic medal," she said. Palesha acknowledged that the country had high expectations from her and that her belief in herself during challenging moments made the victory possible.

Palesha secured a bronze medal in the women's 57 kg weight category under the K-44 segment at the Paris Paralympics, marking the biggest achievement in Nepal's sports history. She confidently stated that Nepal is now capable of winning more Olympic medals. Palesha expressed that this medal belongs not just to her but to the entire nation and noted that there is still much more to achieve.

At the same event, coach Kaviraj Negi Lama stated that Nepal has now proven it can win an Olympic medal. Although their initial goal was to win gold, Coach Lama shared that success came during the repechage rounds, where they seized the opportunity to secure the bronze. He credited Palesha's tireless efforts and her family's support for this achievement, emphasizing that hard work can indeed lead to Olympic medals.

National Sports Council Member Secretary Tanklal Ghising expressed that one of the dreams of Nepali sports has become a reality through great effort and struggle. Legally, athletes who win medals are entitled to a cash prize, and Palesha will receive Rs 6.5 million. Member Secretary Ghising added that Palesha’s medal is a symbol of love to the state, and the nation will honor her for this achievement.

Ghising also spoke about Palesha and Erica Gurung, a silver medalist at the Asian Games, as heroes of the youth. He expressed his gratitude to the sports community and the coach for nurturing talents like them. Ghising mentioned that preparations are already underway for "Mission 2026" with the goal of winning double-digit medals, including gold. He believes that Palesha’s win has opened a new chapter in Nepal's Olympic history, paving the way for future athletes to add to this legacy.

Youth and Sports Minister Tejulal Chaudhary thanked Palesha for elevating the nation’s standing on the world stage with her medal and emphasized that players and coaches should be the top priority in building national pride. He urged sports associations to focus on developing sport rather than pursuing opportunities abroad. Minister Chaudhary expressed his concern that Palesha's coach, Kaviraj Negi Lama, has been self-employed until now, and he believes that if everyone works together, sports can contribute significantly to the country.

Earlier on Wednesday, Palesha Govardhan, Nepal's historic medal winner at the Paris Paralympics 2024, received a grand welcome. Medalist Palesha and her coach, Kaviraj Negi Lama, were warmly greeted at Tribhuvan International Airport by Youth and Sports Minister Tejulal Chaudhary, National Sports Council Member Secretary Tanklal Ghising, NSC Board Member Anjana Shrestha Maske, Taekwondo Olympian Sangina Vaidya, Palesha's parents, national athletes, and thousands of supporters.

Medalist Palesha, fellow athlete Bharatsingh Mahata, and Coach Lama were honored at a special program held at the NSC, following their arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport on Wednesday.