Zakia Khudadadi: Paralympics Trailblazer with Eyes on Los Angeles 2028

Zakia Khudadadi, the first refugee team member to earn a Paralympic medal, aims to represent France in taekwondo and athletics at the Los Angeles 2028 games. After securing asylum in France following her debut in Tokyo, she won a bronze medal in taekwondo and is training in Paris.

Zakia Khudadadi, a trailblazing athlete from the refugee team, has her sights set on representing France at the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles.

Having made history by clinching a medal in taekwondo at the recent Paralympics, Khudadadi is expanding her ambitions to include athletics. The 25-year-old currently trains at the French Institute for Sport and Performance (INSEP) in Paris.

Khudadadi, who was granted asylum in France in 2021 after being evacuated from Taliban-controlled Kabul, celebrated her bronze medal in the K44-47kg category amidst cheers and French flags at the Grand Palais. Looking ahead, she aims to secure French nationality and compete for two medals in Los Angeles.

(With inputs from agencies.)