Zakia Khudadadi Wins Historic Paralympic Bronze

Zakia Khudadadi made history at the Paris Paralympics by becoming the first athlete from the Refugee Paralympic Team to win a medal, securing a bronze in taekwondo. Born in Afghanistan and now living in France, Khudadadi overcame significant challenges, including fleeing Kabul after the Taliban takeover. She won her bronze medal in the women's 47kg category by defeating Turkey's Ekinci Nurcihan after Morocco's Naoual Laarif withdrew. Khudadadi dedicated her medal to Afghan women and refugees worldwide, emphasizing her hopes for freedom and equality in her home country. Her journey from training in secret in Afghanistan to competing on the world stage highlights her resilience and the support she received from the international community and her French coach, Haby Niare. The electrifying support from the French crowd at the Grand Palais further fueled her historic victory.