Palesha Goverdhan (Nepali: पलेशा गोवर्धन) was born on 25 July 2003, in Bagbazar, Kathmandu, Nepal. She is a Nepalese Parataekwondo practitioner who competed in the 57kg category at the 2020 Summer Paralympics. Palesha Govardhan achieved a significant milestone by winning a bronze medal at the 2023 Asian Para Games held in Hangzhou, China, becoming the first Nepali para athlete to secure a medal in the Asian Para Games. Under the guidance of coach Kabiraj Negi Lama at the Nepal Taekwondo Association since 2016, Palesha has consistently demonstrated her dedication and talent in Para Taekwondo.
Notably, Palesha made history by capturing Nepal's first-ever gold medal. She achieved this remarkable feat by defeating Ebrahimi Roza of Iran with an impressive 6-0 point victory in the final of the 2021 Asian Youth Para Games. Her life journey stands as a testament to the incredible strength of the human spirit. Despite facing physical challenges, she has emerged as a Paralympian and a talented Para Taekwondo Player, showcasing unparalleled dedication and talent in both domains. Palesha's story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that with unwavering determination, one can overcome any obstacle and reach great heights.
Palesha's remarkable journey in the realm of sports is nothing short of extraordinary. As a Para Taekwondo athlete, she has participated in numerous national and international competitions, holding the prestigious title of Second DAN Blackbelt. Her tenacity and unyielding commitment have propelled her to the global stage, where she consistently defied expectations and showcased her indomitable spirit.
Palesha's determination extends beyond the sports arena. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Architecture Engineering at Tongji University in Shanghai, China. This commitment to education exemplifies her holistic approach to personal development, demonstrating that her talents extend far beyond the realm of sports.
In addition to her sporting achievements, Palesha has received numerous awards recognizing her outstanding academic and extracurricular accomplishments. Her well-rounded character and relentless pursuit of excellence are evident in her academic endeavors and her dedication to various organizations.
Palesha is not only an athlete and a scholar but also a gifted artist. She has actively participated in school and college art competitions, showcasing her creative side. Her ability to balance her passion for fine arts with her athletic and academic pursuits is a testament to her extraordinary dedication and exceptional time-management skills.
Beyond her personal achievements, Palesha is a community builder. She actively engages with various including the Nepal Taekwondo Association, Sports Association. Her presence and dedication to these groups have undoubtedly left a lasting impact on her community and have inspired many to pursue their dreams.
Palesha's contributions to the world of Para Taekwondo have earned her several accolades, including the "Best Para Athlete of the Year" award from NNIPA and the "Motivation Award" from the National Sports Council. These honors recognize her as a role model for aspiring athletes and individuals seeking to overcome adversity.
Palesha Goverdhan's remarkable journey is a testament to human resilience, showcasing that with unshakable determination and a commitment to excellence, one can conquer any challenge and rise to greatness. Her story is an inspiration to us all, reminding us that our potential is limitless when we dare to dream and work tirelessly to achieve our goals. Palesha is a beacon of hope and a true source of motivation for the world.
2018 2nd Kathmandu Kyorugi & Poomsae International Taekwondo Championship – Kathmandu, Nepal
2018 4th Asian Para Taekwondo Championships – Hochiminh, Vietnam
2021 Asian Youth Para Games – Manama, Bahrain
2023 4th Hangzhou Asian Para Games – Hangzhou, China
2024 Asian Paralympic Qualification Tournament for Paris 2024 Paralympic Games – Taian, Chaina
2017 5th Place at the 3rd Asian Para Taekwondo Open Championships – Chuncheon, South Korea
2017 5th Place at the 2017 World Para Taekwondo Championships – London, United Kingdom
2019 9th Place at the 8th World Para Taekwondo Championship – Antalya, Turkey
2019 5th Place at the 5th Asian Para Open Taekwondo Championship – Amman, Jordan
2019 5th Place at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games Test Event – Tokyo, Japan
2021 5th Place at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games – Tokyo, Japan
2021 Participation at the World Para Taekwondo Grand Prix – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia