The government of Nepal has rewarded Paralympic gold medalist Palesha Goverdhan with 6 pounds. It’s equally important for the people and government of Nepal she has been awarded one hundred and five million Nepali rupees that is approximately five million five hundred thousand United States dollars for her historic victory at the 2024 Paralympics to be held in Paris France. Parwar’s Goverdhan made a history in Nepali sports by winning the first Paralympic gold medal for Nepal in the women’s shot put F42 event.
PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” himself congratulated Goverdhan at the programme organized at the official residence of the PM at Baluwatar, Kathmandu. While delivering his speech, PM Prachanda referred to Goverdhan as a national icon and a role model for all Nepalis with special emphasis to disabled people.
The cash award is the biggest amount that the Nepal government has ever offered to an individual athlete. It is in addition to the ‘lifetime monthly stipend of 50,000 rupees for the rest of their lives’ that the government provides to all the Olympic and Paralympic medalists. As a part of the relief, the Prime Minister also said that the government would offer Goverdhan a piece of land in Kathmandu for constructing a house.
Goverdhan’s gold medal run has made her an instant celebrity in Nepal. Since her return from Paris she has been receiving calls for interviews and being invited to conduct her shows all over the United States of America. Some of the private firms have also come to her seeking sponsorship and brand ambassadorial services.
The story of a 28-year-old athlete who was to become a Paralympian was not one of a fairy-tale. Due to a congenital limb deficiency Goverdhan was denied many opportunities in education and career and experienced discrimination while growing up in rural Nepal. This she says was due to the encouragement of her parents and early trainers who did not allow the societal norms to hinder her from embracing sports.
Goverdhan’s win has brought up a discourse on how the para-athletes are supported and how more opportunities for the disabled are being addressed in India. Disabled people’s organisations are using the opportunity to demand compliance to accessibility standards and enhancement of funding to adaptive sports.
The Nepal Paralympic Committee has said it has received more inquiries from prospective competitors after Goverdhan’s triumph. They are in touch with the government to set up more training centers and scout for more talent in the para-athletes in the country.
Education officials are also in the process of formulating the idea of incorporating Goverdhan’s story as part of the curriculum as a source of inspiration of how to overcome adversity. Some members of parliament have urged the government to develop a national para-sports policy that will further the success of her victory.
While Goverdhan rejoices in the success of the girl, the latter is more concerned about the next phase. She has already declared her readiness to compete at the next Paralympics in the 2028 Los Angeles and is in training. With new power and support of the whole nation behind her, Goverdhan’s dream is to bring more Nepali para-athletes to win golds.