Nepal Athlete Wins Citizenship, Eyes 2028 Paralympics

When Shrijana Ghising visited Australia in 2023 for a holiday, she never expected to find home. Three years later, the 26-year-old para taekwondo athlete just became an Australian citizen and is training to represent her new country at the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles.

Ghising started para taekwondo for fun at 18 in her native Nepal. Now she ranks among the world's best athletes in the sport, and she's just getting started.

In June, Australia's federal government fast-tracked her citizenship application under special provisions for elite athletes. Weeks later, she won silver at the Gangwon-Chuncheon 2026 World Para Taekwondo Open Challenge in South Korea as Australia's newest competitor.

"I'm so excited that now I am a citizen I can represent Australia in all the tournaments, but the big goal is LA28," Ghising said. "I want to be a medallist representing Australia."

What made her stay wasn't just the landscape or opportunities. After experiencing discrimination throughout her life because of her disability, Australia felt different.

"When I came to Australia everyone was very kind, and they did not treat me differently because of my disability," she said. "Everyone in Australia is treated with the same respect."

Ghising initially settled in Burnie, Tasmania, before moving to Melbourne to advance her taekwondo career. Her mother and life partner encouraged her to pursue the Paralympic dream, and Australia's immigration system made it possible.

Australia maintains a special citizenship pathway for elite athletes and coaches representing the country internationally. The government updated the law last year so permanent residents training overseas aren't disadvantaged in their citizenship journey.

Why This Inspires

Ghising's story shows how sports can bridge cultures and create belonging. She arrived as a tourist and became a potential Paralympian, welcomed by a country that saw her talent before her disability.

Paralympics Australia chief executive Cameron Murray praised her journey as an example of courage and resilience. "Her story exemplifies the values that make our Paralympic movement so special," he said.

In 2024-25 alone, over 165,000 people from 190 countries became Australian citizens. Each brought their own dreams, but few will chase them on the world's biggest sporting stage.

Ghising's green and gold debut brought silver, and she's already looking toward gold in LA.