Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Friday honoured Paralympic bronze medallist Palesha Goverdhan, her coach, and her team manager for their remarkable achievement at the Paris Paralympics 2024.

Goverdhan, who clinched a bronze medal in the women’s K44 under 57 kg taekwondo category, was awarded Rs6.5 million Nepali rupees, tax-free, in line with a Cabinet decision made on September 5. Her coach, Kabiraj Negi Lama, received Rs585,000, while team manager Ramchandra Shrestha was honoured with Rs292,000.

During a function organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports at the prime minister's residence in Baluwatar, Prime Minister Oli reaffirmed the government's commitment to promptly rewarding athletes, with no tax deductions, to boost morale in the sports sector. He expressed confidence in Nepal’s future success on the global stage, stating that Goverdhan’s bronze medal is the nation’s biggest sporting achievement to date and a moment of pride for the country.

Youth and Sports Minister Tejulal Chaudhary, Secretary Sumanraj Aryal, National Sports Council Member Secretary Tanka Lal Ghising, and officials from the Nepal Taekwondo Association attended the event. Minister Chaudhary also pledged the ministry’s support for Govardhan’s higher education and her participation in the upcoming Asian Games.

Goverdhan made history on August 31, defeating Serbia’s Marija Micev 15-8 in the bronze medal match to become the first Nepali athlete to win a Paralympic medal.