KATHMANDU

The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry on Friday felicitated 21-year-old Palesha Govardhan, the bronze medalist in Taekwondo at the Paralympics. Govardhan was awarded a cash prize of Rs 300,000, while her coach, Kaviraj Negi Lama, and manager, Ramchandra Shrestha, received Rs 125,000 and Rs 75,000, respectively. Govardhan is the first Nepali athlete to win a medal at the Paralympics.

Addressing the gathering, Chandra Prasad Dhakal, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, congratulated Govardhan, her coach and manager, expressing his pride and joy. He urged FNCCI’s members and the entire private sector to extend their support to talented athletes like Govardhan and foster the growth of sports in Nepal. “Nepali youth are brimming with talent,” he emphasized, “and just like in other countries, our private sector, alongside the government, must play a pivotal role in promoting sports.”

Govardhan’s bronze medal in the 2024 Paris Paralympics has ushered in a new era for Nepali sports. This is a historic first for Nepal in the Olympics.

Govardhan expressed her belief that her success would inspire future generations of athletes. She secured the bronze medal in the women’s 57 kg K-44 category by defeating Serbia’s Marija Micev 15-8.

According to Dhakal, Govardhan’s historic victory at the Paris Paralympics has set a new benchmark for Nepali athletes on the global stage and is a momentous occasion for Nepal. FNCCI, as a non-profit organization, represents Nepal’s private sector.