Kathmandu, Nepal – The rising star of Nepali Para Taekwondo secured her spot at the upcoming Paris Paralympics in dominant fashion, claiming the gold medal in the K44 women’s 57kg category at the Asian qualifiers held in China this weekend.

Govardhan’s path to gold wasn’t for the faint of heart. In a thrilling final on Sunday, she battled tooth and nail against Iran’s Lella Mirzai, ultimately emerging victorious in a nail-biting 5-4 win. This victory came after a near-flawless display in the semi-finals, where Govardhan crushed Uzbekistan’s Karima Melikujieva 18-2, showcasing her undeniable talent and unwavering focus.

Govardhan’s achievement is a historic moment for Nepali sports. She’s become the first-ever Nepali athlete to qualify for the Para Olympics, etching her name in sporting history and inspiring a generation of athletes with disabilities.

This isn’t Govardhan’s first Paralympic rodeo. At the Tokyo Games in 2020, she displayed remarkable grit after a tough opening loss. Fighting her way back through the repechage rounds, she secured two consecutive victories before narrowly missing out on a bronze medal in a close battle against a strong Chinese opponent. That performance, though heartbreaking, solidified her status as a pioneer for Nepali Paralympic athletics.

Govardhan’s trophy cabinet is a testament to her dominance in Para Taekwondo. Her bronze medal at the 2022 Asian Para Games further solidified her position as a force to be reckoned with.

Palesha Govardhan is a name to remember, and her sights are now set in Paris. Her unwavering determination and exceptional skills make her a serious contender and a beacon of hope for Nepali athletics on the world stage.