Zakia Khudadad, the taekwondo paralympian, will be the first Afghan woman to participate in the 2024 Paralympics in Paris. She is competing in the name of women in her country who have gradually been stripped of their rights over the past three years.
The taekwondo Paralympian made history in 2021 in Tokyo by becoming the first Afghan woman to compete in an international sporting event since the Taliban regained control of her country. This happened as US and NATO troops withdrew following 20 years of war. Initially prevented from competing after the Taliban’s rise, she was later evacuated from Afghanistan and allowed to compete for her country following an appeal from the international community.
Zakia Khudadadi is a formidable figure who has shattered numerous barriers throughout her life. Born in Afghanistan, a country where women and individuals with disabilities face significant challenges, she has defied expectations to become a global icon of hope.
Despite being born without a forearm, Zakia’s passion for taekwondo ignited at a young age. Growing up in a restrictive society, she secretly trained in her hometown of Herat, determined to pursue her athletic dreams. Her unwavering spirit and talent led her to international recognition, culminating in a historic moment when she became the first Afghan woman to compete in an international sporting event.
The Taliban’s rise to power posed immense challenges to Zakia’s career. Forced to flee her country to ensure her safety and ability to compete, she continued to represent Afghanistan on the global stage with unwavering determination. Her participation in the Paralympics has not only brought pride to her nation but has also served as a powerful symbol of hope for countless Afghan women and girls.
Zakia’s story is one of extraordinary courage, resilience, and perseverance. She has transformed adversity into triumph, inspiring millions worldwide with her unwavering belief in the power of the human spirit.
It’s hard for me because I’d like to compete under my country’s flag,” she said. But “life for all girls and women in Afghanistan is forbidden. It’s over. Today, I’m here to win a medal in Paris for them. I want to show strength to all women and girls in Afghanistan.”, she told Arab News.
Khudadadi is competing for the Refugee Paralympic Team, while other athletes are seeking medals under Afghanistan’s flag, such as Olympic sprinter Kimia Yousofi. Yousofi’s parents fled during the Taliban’s previous rule and she was born and raised in neighboring Iran. She said she wanted to represent her country, flaws and all, and wanted to “be the voice of Afghan girls.”
