KATHMANDU: A financial award was given to Paralympic athlete Palesha Goverdhan by the Nepalese government in appreciation of her outstanding achievement at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli gave her Rs 6.5 million (tax-free) as a reward for her achievement, making her the first athlete from Nepal to earn a bronze medal at the competition.

The award ceremony was held in the prime minister's official house, Baluwatar, by the Ministry of Youths and Sports. Palesha, a contestant in para-taekwondo, made history in the Paralympic Games by taking home the bronze medal, which was an impressive feat for Nepal.

Along with Palesha's win, her team manager, Ramchandra Shrestha, received Rs 292,000, while her coach, Kabiraj Negi Lama, received a monetary prize of Rs 585,000. The government is making an attempt to recognize the accomplishments of all those who helped make Palesha a success, and this includes these recognitions.

The goal of the tax exemption for the prize, according to Prime Minister Oli, is to promote the growth of sports in Nepal. He was upbeat about the prospects for Nepali athletes to succeed internationally in the future and hailed Palesha's accomplishment as a source of national pride.

Minister for Youth and Sports, Tejulal Chaudhary, along with other notable officials such as Secretary Suman Raj Aryal and National Sports Council's member secretary Tankalal Ghishing, attended the ceremony. They celebrated Palesha’s achievement and acknowledged her as a source of national pride.

Minister Chaudhary also committed to supporting Palesha’s higher education and her participation in future international events, including the upcoming Asian Games. This commitment aims to provide her with opportunities for further development and competition at higher levels.

The government's increasing focus on helping athletes and advancing sports in Nepal is reflected in the honor. The government hopes to encourage a more vibrant sports culture and motivate upcoming generations of athletes by honoring Palesha and her squad.

Nepal has achieved a significant milestone in world sports, particularly in the field of para-athletics, with Palesha's achievement at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. Her incredible victory not only boosts national pride but also establishes standards for similar achievements in the future.

Overall, the government's recognition and support underscore a broader commitment to enhancing the status of sports and athletes in Nepal, aiming to build on this success in future international competitions.