Palesha Goverdhan, a 21-year-old architecture student at Tongji University, has made history as the first Nepali to win an Olympic-level medal. At the 2024 Paris Paralympics, she earned a bronze medal in the women's K44-57kg Para Taekwondo event.

Goverdhan began practicing taekwondo at age 10 and has spent the past 11 years balancing the demands of academics and sport without ever considering giving up. She won her first international competition at 15 but soon faced setbacks, including missing out on qualifying for the Tokyo Paralympics.

With her parents' encouragement, she overcame physical challenges and pushed her limits. As Nepal's sole representative at the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics, she reached the quarterfinals, missing a medal by just one point. Her perseverance paid off with a bronze at the 2023 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, a success she repeated at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

Since arriving in Shanghai in 2021 and resuming her studies, Goverdhan has adapted well to life at Tongji University. Her passion for architecture marks a new chapter in her life, reflecting her holistic approach to personal growth and her talents beyond sports.

Source: Official WeChat account of Tongji University Office for International Students at "isotju"