A journey that began in Tokyo, inspired in Paris

Palesha has made a 'record' for the happiness of Nepali people with the medal in her second Olympic participation. This success will increase the confidence of Nepalese athletes to win medals in major competitions of the world. Palesha has shown the way, now if a foundation is built so that she herself can continue to move forward and other players can follow, Nepali sports world will surely move forward towards a bright future.

Neglect of the state, lack of investment and training, and adversities such as the leadership's bravado, the Paleshas are born. Those who shine on the international stage even with the little opportunities and incentives they get. Palesha Govardhan was born missing his left arm from the wrist down. She started playing taekwondo at the age of 10 and was involved in extracurricular activities since she was in school. When the Nepal Taekwondo Association formed a sub-committee and started identifying players, she automatically came forward. After that, his professional journey started.

Belonging to the national para taekwondo team since 2016, she made her 'debut' in international competition through the 3rd Asian Para Taekwondo Championship in Chuncheon, South Korea in 2017. She also started her international medal journey by winning bronze at the 4th Asian Para Taekwondo Championship held in Vietnam in 2018. Similarly, she has not only participated in competitions held in countries like Turkey, Bahrain, UK, Jordan, Japan, Turkey, but also won medals. After winning bronze in Paris on Friday, his message is, "I learned taekwondo at the age of 10 and achieved this success at the age of 21. You have to work hard and be patient to get success.''

Our system is adapted to the excitement of excited players. Everyone associated with Nepali sports is unhappy because the role of the state has always been unfavorable to sports. Also, the overall investment in the sports sector is very low. Last Baisakh, the then Sports Minister Viraj Bhakta Shrestha's statement that 'with the budget of the Sports Ministry, only ludo, chess and tiger walking can be played' is not far from the truth. Due to lack of budget, it is not possible to develop and maintain sports infrastructure, it is not possible to organize big competitions, and it is common for all the stakeholders in this sector to complain. The Prime Ministers of the country have been repeating this topic many times. However, no one has come forward to intervene.

It is not unusual for para sports to fail to thrive as there are adversities in the entire sports field. Because, the financial and physical investment will be less. There is no separate budget for the development of this game for players with disabilities. Also, domestic competitions are not enough. The institutional structure of para sports is also very low. Athletes associated with different disciplines in para sports have not been able to get professional opportunities. The environment for training in international level academies is rare. There is a lack of encouragement from individual, family, social, state level or sports related structures. Mainly like most sportsmen their financial future is uncertain.

What is strange is that there are two types of para committees in Nepal for leadership. The Nepal Para Olympic Committee led by Suryakumari Gurung has been recognized by the National Sports Council and the National Para Olympic Committee led by Radha Ghale has received recognition from the International Para Olympic Committee. As much as there is a big dispute between the two committees in the public program, the interest towards the development of sports is equally weak. If there was really a commitment to the interests of sports and athletes, there would be no desire for any party to increase the conflict by forming two committees.

Sufficient financial investment by the government is the first condition for the development of sports. The investment made by the government should be converted into building infrastructure, future security of the players, creating an orderly and professional environment. At the same time, individual and institutional initiatives are equally needed for the development of the sports sector. But such initiatives should not be limited to tajbiji awards to medal winners. Instead, contributions should be made to the development of institutional methods. Only that can enable athletes to be born, sustained and medaled. Only then other 'Palesha' can be born, new 'records' can be made for Nepali sports.