Palesha Goverdhan made history as the first Nepali athlete to secure a bronze medal at the Paris Paralympics 2024 by defeating Serbia’s Marija Micev 15-8 in the women’s K44 under 57 kg Taekwondo category. Palesha believes that with instinct and determination, anything is achievable. She is also the first Nepali Taekwondo athlete to win a gold medal at the Asian Youth Para Games in the below 58 kgs category.
Born without a left hand, growing up she felt the difference and feared that she was not good enough. But when she was introduced to the sport of Taekwondo, she found her strength and purpose. Athletes with disabilities face additional challenges and pressure, not only must they persevere to become the best at their sport but they must overcome physical and mental limitations associated with the stigma associated with disability.
With her accomplishments, Palesha not only fulfilled her dreams and that of her nation, but she has become the light that shines with hope for all sportspersons proving that with relentless perseverance and commitment, anything is indeed possible.
In this edition of WOW, Palesha talks about what makes her life beautiful.
What makes a person beautiful
Confidence and kindness make a person beautiful
What makes you beautiful
Confidence
What makes life beautiful
My family and when there is someone to cheer me up
What tickles your funny bones
Silly conversations with my friends
What never fails to bring a smile
My medal
Favourite Comedian
Aakash Gupta and Gabriel Iglesias
Current perfume
La Casta
You are addicted to
My phone
On your wish list
Going to Everest Base Camp
You stay fit by
Eating healthy, going to the gym, and training
Best Year of Your Life
2024
Latest Splurge
My tuition fees and YSL lipstick
Skincare
Daily after training, I use facewash, moisturiser and sunscreen. Once a week I exfoliate.
Style Icons
Anne Hathaway and Kendall Jenner
Always in your handbag
Snacks (chocolates, protein bar, and ‘small packets of bhujia’)
What do you do to unwind
Go to the hills and mountains
Favourite holiday destination
Antalya, Turkey
You always struggle with
Breaking the ice in a conversation
The best thing about being you
Dedication and kindness
Favourite makeup brand
Maybelline
Three things you absolutely do to look your best
Dress well, set my hair, and smile
On a bad hair day
Bun all the way
What do you like doing in your spare time
Gossip with my mom
Books or movies
Movies
Guilty pleasure
Blowing bubbles, I find it very therapeutic
Favourite place to eat in Kathmandu
I love my mom’s food, anything she makes, and Pho Asian
What advice would you give to your younger self
Don’t doubt yourself; you will reach your goal eventually.
Celebrity crush
Chris Hemsworth
Have you ever been told to change something about yourself
To hide my hands because of prosthetics
Movies that inspire you
Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (Especially the last scene is relatable to my own life)
Favourite Cuisine
Newari
A quote you live by
“To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did.”
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