“I am filled with immense pride for having achieved this victory for our beloved nation,” Goverdhan said on social media ahead of her return to Nepal. “The countless hours of hard work and dedication have truly paid off, and the feeling is simply overwhelming.” Her comments reflected the deep sense of achievement felt by both her and her country.

The airport was abuzz with excitement as traditional music played and an army band performed, creating an atmosphere of celebration. Goverdhan, draped in the national flag and adorned with marigold garlands, was greeted by an enthusiastic crowd that included many young taekwondo athletes. Among them was 13-year-old Nandani Adhikari, who expressed her elation, saying, “I am very happy, very inspired, and proud for the country. Her victory feels like our own.”

Goverdhan, who is currently studying architectural engineering in China, clinched the bronze medal in the women’s K44-57kg para taekwondo category by defeating Serbia’s Marija Micev with a score of 15-8. This achievement marked a historic moment for Nepal, which had previously never won a medal at the Paralympics or the Olympics.

Born with a congenital limb deficiency on her left hand, Goverdhan began practicing martial arts at the age of 10. Her father, Pradeep Goverdhan, expressed his pride, saying, “She has made us so proud. As parents, you worry when your child is born with a deficiency like that, but we always encouraged her.” He highlighted her determination and hard work, which led to her success.

Sugam Bhattarai from Nepal’s National Federation of the Disabled praised Goverdhan’s achievement, noting, “Her victory has not only brought glory to Nepal but has also shined a spotlight on the potential of para athletes in a country where para sports have often been underfunded and overlooked.” Bhattarai hopes that this milestone will encourage greater investment in para sports, stating, “It is the same national flag, no matter who raises it.”

Goverdhan’s achievements include a bronze medal at the 2022 Asian Para Games and gold at the 2021 Asian Youth Para Games. She also won bronze at the 2018 Asian Para Taekwondo Championship in Vietnam. Her recent success in Paris has further solidified her place as a pioneering figure in Nepali sports history.