Nepal welcomes taekwondo star Palesha Goverdhan home as first Paralympic medallist: Video
On Wednesday, Nepal celebrated its first-ever Paralympic medallist, taekwondo star Palesha Goverdhan, with a hero’s welcome at Kathmandu's airport.
The 21-year-old athlete, who won bronze in the women’s K44-57kg taekwondo category at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, was met with roaring cheers from a jubilant crowd.
Goverdhan, draped in the national flag, marigold garlands, and traditional Buddhist scarves, was overwhelmed by the reception. "I kept my promise, I brought a medal back home. This achievement is not just for me, but for everyone," Goverdhan said in her speech, which was quoted by AFP.
Her return was marked by traditional music and an army band, with many young taekwondo enthusiasts among the hundreds who gathered to welcome her.
Goverdhan also secured a bronze at the 2018 Asian Para Taekwondo Championship and finished fifth at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
