Paralympic Refugee Team’s First Medalist Hopes to Inspire Global Refugees with Bronze Win

Zakia Khudadadi, a member of the Paralympic Refugee Team, has made history by becoming the first team member to win a medal. The Afghan athlete secured a bronze in the K44 -47kg Para-taekwondo category at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. Her achievement is a significant milestone and carries a powerful message of hope and resilience.

At 25 years old, Khudadadi is now based in Paris and is one of eight athletes representing the Paralympic Refugee Team at this year’s Games. Her journey to the Paralympics has been marked by incredible challenges. In Tokyo three years ago, Khudadadi represented Afghanistan just days after being evacuated as the Taliban rapidly took control of Kabul and the withdrawal of foreign troops was underway.

The Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan has brought severe restrictions on women’s rights. Reports from protesters indicate they have faced violence, imprisonment, and threats of death. Reflecting on the situation, Khudadadi shared with the BBC World Service, “Today, in my country, life is not easy for all the women and girls in Afghanistan because the Taliban is in Afghanistan. Everything is finished for all the women. Maybe for this medal all the women continue life and continue the fight with the Taliban. Maybe [one day] we are together with peace in my country.”

Since relocating to France, Khudadadi has benefitted from professional training facilities and support, which she attributes to her success. She noted, “In Afghanistan it was not very professional and there were many problems. Here in France everything is perfect, especially my coach, who is the best coach in the world for me.”

Khudadadi’s victory in Paris comes on the heels of her gold medal win at the European Championships last year. Looking ahead, she has ambitious plans for her future. She intends to compete in the Los Angeles Paralympics in 2028, aiming for a gold medal, and is also interested in exploring Para-athletics.

For the moment, Khudadadi is relishing her historic bronze medal and its broader significance. “I’m so happy and I’m so proud for this medal because after three years I have worked hard every morning, every afternoon,” she expressed. “This is a woman’s dream and now it’s true, the dream is here.”

Her success is not only a personal triumph but also a beacon of hope for refugees worldwide, embodying the spirit of perseverance and the pursuit of dreams despite adversity.