Afghan athlete Zakia Khudadadi made history on Thursday by becoming the first member of the refugee team to win a medal at the Paralympics, earning a bronze in taekwondo. Khudadadi, who fled Taliban-controlled Kabul just days before her Paralympic debut in Tokyo, secured her spot on the podium when her opponent withdrew before their bronze medal match in the K44-47kg category.
The 25-year-old, now granted asylum in France, was met with enthusiastic support from the Grand Palais crowd and her coach, Haby Niare, a silver medalist in taekwondo at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Speaking in fluent French, Khudadadi expressed her joy over the medal, dedicating it to the women of Afghanistan and refugees around the world.
Also Read: Paralympic Games kick off with unforgettable Champs-Elysees ceremony
“This medal is not just for me but for all the women in Afghanistan and for all refugees. We are not giving up the fight for equality and freedom in my country,” she declared. Khudadadi, born with an atrophied arm, also looked ahead to the next Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, where she aims to win gold.
In a powerful message, she said, “I want to dedicate this medal to the whole world. I hope for a day when freedom prevails in my country and for all women, girls, and refugees worldwide. Let us all work together for liberty and equality.”
Her achievement comes as the Taliban’s restrictions on women’s rights continue to draw international criticism. Western nations have made it clear that formal recognition of the Taliban government is unlikely until they reverse their stance on women’s rights and reopen schools for girls. The Taliban maintain that they respect women’s rights according to their interpretation of Islamic law and local customs.
