Zakia Khudadadi Makes History, Wins Bronze for Refugee Team at Paralympics

Afghan athlete Zakia Khudadadi became the first member of the Paralympics refugee team to win a medal, earning a bronze in taekwondo. After escaping Kabul, she competed in Tokyo and aimed to inspire freedom and equality. Western governments criticize Taliban restrictions on women's rights in Afghanistan.

Afghan athlete Zakia Khudadadi made history by becoming the first member of the refugee team to win a medal at the Paralympics, securing a bronze in taekwondo on Thursday.

Khudadadi's journey has been remarkable, having made her Paralympics debut in Tokyo shortly after being exfiltrated from Taliban-ruled Kabul. She earned her place on the podium after her opponent in the bronze medal bout withdrew. The 25-year-old, who was granted asylum in France, was cheered on by the crowd at the Grand Palais and her coach, Haby Niare, a Rio 2016 taekwondo silver medalist.

"This medal is fantastic for me but also for all the women in Afghanistan and all the refugees," Khudadadi said in French. She spoke of her future ambitions for the next Paralympic Games in Los Angeles and delivered a poignant message of freedom and equality, hoping for worldwide change. The Taliban's stance on women's rights continues to face severe criticism from human rights groups and international governments, especially from Western nations advocating for women's education and rights in Afghanistan.

(With inputs from agencies.)