Govt honours Paralympic 2024 medalist Palesha with cash prize of Rs 6.5 mln

Kathmandu, Sept 13: The government has honoured Palesha Goverdhan, a Paralympic athlete, for her historic achievement in the Paris 2024 Paralympics with a cash prize today.     

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli handed Rs 6.5 million (without tax deduction) to a para-taekwondo player in recognition of her historic performance in the event.     

Palesha clinched the first bronze medal for the country from the Paris Paralympics. Earlier the Council of Ministers on September 5 (Bhadra 20) decided to honor the 21-year-old athlete.     

The prize distribution ceremony was held amidst a special ceremony at the Prime Minister's official residence, Baluwatar by the Ministry of Youths and Sports.     

The government also awarded her coach Kabiraj Negi Lama with a cash prize of Rs 585,000 and her team manager Ramchandra Shrestha with Rs 292,000.     

On the occasion, the Prime Minister announced that the decision to not impose tax on the prize amount for sports is to encourage this sector.     

He expressed his hope that the government would achieve more success in the international forum. He said, "The achievement of Palesha is the first highest sports award for the country and the pride for Nepal".     

Minister for Youth and Sports, Tejulal Chaudhary, Secretary Suman Raj Aryal, National Sports Council's member secretary Tankalal Ghishing, and Nepal Taekwondo Association officials were present on the occasion.     

The Minister pledged to make efforts to enable the atmosphere for higher studies for Palesha and her participation in the upcoming Asian Games. (RSS)