The French Embassy in Nepal on Monday honoured Palesha Goverdhan, Nepal’s first Paralympic medallist.

French Ambassador Virginie Corteval, Tanka Lal Ghising, member-secretary of the National Sports Council, and sports representatives and business leaders, among others, congratulated Goverdhan for her hard work and success.

“Palesha, you are a beacon of hope and determination,” said Corteval. “Your journey reflects the audacity to dream and conquer challenges. You have revealed the immense talent of Nepali athletes to the world.”

The event also served as an opportunity to introduce the Choose France/Marque France initiative, which encourages collaboration in business, culture and education between France and other countries, including Nepal, the embassy said.

In alignment with the values of the Choose France/Marque France campaign, Goverdhan’s achievement reflects the spirit of perseverance, cooperation, and excellence that both nations strive to promote, the embassy said.

As part of the Choose France initiative, the embassy announced Choose France Tour, scheduled for September 28 at the Alliance Française, where Nepali students will have the chance to learn more about studying in France and meet the representatives from more than 15 prestigious French educational institutions.

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.