Zakia Khudadadi Earns Historic First Medal For Refugee Paralympic Team At Paris 2024

Zakia Khudadadi of Afghanistan made history by winning bronze in Para taekwondo at the Grand Palais during the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. She became the first member of the Refugee Paralympic Team to secure a medal, triumphing in her Para taekwondo K44 -47kg category.

Following her victory, Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), expressed his pride: "Congratulations Zakia, on the first medal ever for the Refugee Paralympic Team! I am so proud of you; the medal is yours."

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi awarded medals to the winners, including Khudadadi. He remarked, "I am deeply moved tonight. This historic win for the Refugee Paralympic Team embodies the power, determination and grit of Zakia and her fellow refugees."

Grandi further highlighted Khudadadi's significance: "Standing on the podium tonight, she represents 120 million people forcibly displaced worldwide. Zakia is a role model for us all. Despite the challenges she has faced, she has become a Paralympic medallist achieving the highest pinnacle of sporting success. The night is hers!"

The Refugee Paralympic Team is competing in its third Games. Initially, two refugee athletes participated in Rio 2016. The team expanded to six members at Tokyo 2020 and now includes eight athletes and two guide runners in Paris. They are competing in six sports: Para athletics, Para powerlifting, Para table tennis, Para taekwondo, Para triathlon, and wheelchair fencing.

Khudadadi shared her future aspirations after her win: "I will continue to the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games (hoping) for the gold medal!" Her determination reflects her commitment to achieving even greater success.

Khudadadi and her seven teammates on the Refugee Paralympic Team are based in six countries and represent more than 120 million people worldwide. This diverse team showcases resilience and unity despite their varied backgrounds.

After her victory on Thursday, Khudadadi expressed immense joy: "I am so, so happy because today is my life’s dream. It means the world to me. This medal is for all the refugees in the world." Her words resonate with many who face similar struggles.

This achievement marks a significant milestone not only for Khudadadi but also for all refugees globally. Her success story serves as an inspiration and a testament to overcoming adversity through perseverance and dedication.

With inputs from WAM