Zakia Khudadadi makes history with Paralympic bronze for refugee team

France-based Afghan athlete claims taekwondo bronze, vowing to fight for equality and freedom

PARIS:

Afghan athlete Zakia Khudadadi achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first Paralympic refugee team member to win a medal, securing a bronze in taekwondo on Thursday. Khudadadi, who debuted at the Paralympics in Tokyo shortly after being evacuated from Taliban-controlled Kabul, won the bronze in the K44-47kg category after her opponent withdrew from the bout.

The 25-year-old, who has been granted asylum in France, was cheered by the Grand Palais crowd and supported by her coach, Haby Niare, a silver medallist in taekwondo at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Speaking in fluent French, Khudadadi expressed her pride in winning the medal, dedicating it to the women of Afghanistan and refugees worldwide.

"This medal is not only for me but for all women in Afghanistan and all refugees," she said. "We will continue to fight for equality and freedom in my country."

Khudadadi, born with an atrophied arm, is already focused on the next Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, where she aims to win gold. She also delivered a powerful message of hope for freedom: "I want to dedicate this medal to the whole world. I dream of a future where there is freedom in my country, for all girls, women, and refugees."

Since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021, their restrictions on women’s rights and freedom of expression have been widely condemned by human rights organisations and foreign governments. Western nations, led by the United States, have withheld formal recognition of the Taliban government, calling for the reversal of policies restricting women, including the closure of girls' high schools.