Palesha Goverdhan (Nepali: पलेशा गोवर्धन) was born on 25 July 2003, in Bagbazar, Kathmandu, Nepal. She is a Nepalese Parataekwondo practitioner and first Nepalese athlete to win a medal at the Paralympics. Palesha won a bronze medal at the 2024 Summer Paralympics and made history in front of thousands of spectators at the Grand Palais, France. She competed in the 57kg category at the 2020 Summer Paralympics, she 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.

 Three years later, Goverdhan competed at the 2024 Summer Paralympics and won a bronze medal, becoming the first Nepalese athlete to win a medal at the Paralympics. The scene was one of pure, unbridled jubilation when the hooter sounded to proclaim the end of the match. It was a historic moment for both Goverdhan and Nepal. Her coache Kabiraj Negi Lama raced onto the mat to embrace their nation’s first Paralympic medalist.

“It feels surreal,” said Goverdhan, still in a state of awe after her incredible victory. “Most people dream, but don't put the work and effort to make it happen,” she continued. “I did. I gave my all, I worked consistently. I was focused and disciplined.” She added, “The dream that I saw when I was 10 years old finally became a real historical moment." The history of the moment certainly wasn’t lost on Goverdhan. She came bitterly close to winning a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, finishing fifth after a loss in the bronze medal matches. "It was my first Paralympics,” recounted Goverdhan. “I was just 18 at that time. I was still a newbie. I didn't know what it all was. Although I wasn't able to win a medal, I still fought really well At that time, I felt really bad,” explained the newly minted Paralympic bronze medalist. “When you lose, you just don't want to see yourself crying. But I knew. It happened once, and it will never happen again.”

Her prophecy reigned true, as she claimed sweet redemption in front of thousands of spectators at the Grand Palais during the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, ending a two decade wait for Nepal’s first medal at the Paralympic Games.

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  2^nd Kathmandu Kyorugi & Poomsae International Taekwondo Championship – Kathmandu, Nepal 
  2018  4^th Asian Para Taekwondo Championships – Hochiminh, Vietnam
  2021  Asian Youth Para Games – Manama, Bahrain 
  2023  4^th Hangzhou Asian Para Games – Hangzhou, China
  2024  Asian Paralympic Qualification Tournament  for Paris 2024 Paralympic Games – Taian, Chaina
  2024  Paralympics Games Paris
2017  5^th Place at the 3rd Asian Para Taekwondo Open Championships – Chuncheon, South Korea
2017  5^th Place at the 2017 World Para Taekwondo Championships – London, United Kingdom
2019  9^th Place at the 8th World Para Taekwondo Championship – Antalya, Turkey 
2019  5^th Place at the 5th Asian Para Open Taekwondo Championship – Amman, Jordan 
2019  5^th Place at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games Test Event – Tokyo, Japan  
2021  5^th Place at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games – Tokyo, Japan
2021  Participation at the World Para Taekwondo Grand Prix – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia