Zakia Khudadadi Leads Refugee Paralympic Team in Paris 2024 Closing Ceremony

UNHCR’s Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, Ruvendrini Menikdiwela, who watched the athletes compete, highlighted the positive reception the team received in Paris.

Zakia Khudadadi, the Refugee Paralympic Team’s (RPT) historic first medal winner, carried the team’s flag at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games closing ceremony, marking a significant milestone for refugee athletes worldwide. Khudadadi, who won a bronze medal in the women’s Para taekwondo K44-47kg, led her team in a symbolic moment of pride and accomplishment.

From August 28, eight refugee athletes and one guide runner competed in six sports—Para athletics, Para powerlifting, Para table tennis, Para taekwondo, Para triathlon, and wheelchair fencing—achieving historic milestones. Alongside Khudadadi, Guillaume Junior Atangana earned a bronze medal in the men’s T11 400m, with both athletes dedicating their wins to refugees across the globe.

“I was lucky to witness Zakia’s win at the Grand Palais. It was pure joy and pride,” said Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), who personally informed Khudadadi that she would be the closing flag bearer. Parsons praised the entire team, saying, “Medals or not, each of you are winners.”

UNHCR’s Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, Ruvendrini Menikdiwela, who watched the athletes compete, highlighted the positive reception the team received in Paris. “They are a symbol of perseverance and hope,” Menikdiwela said, adding that the team’s journey has been an inspiration for everyone who craves safety and the opportunity to fulfill their dreams.

For Khudadadi, who has lived in France since escaping her home country in 2021, carrying the flag was a moment she would treasure. “I’m proud of myself and for all female refugees around the world,” she said.

During the Games, the athletes achieved personal bests and milestones. Atangana, running with fellow refugee guide Donard Ndim Nyamjua, won bronze in the men’s T11 400m and achieved a personal best in the men’s T11 100m. Wheelchair fencer Amelio Castro Grueso reached the second repechage round in his first competition and narrowly lost to the world’s top-ranked fencer in his second event.

Despite not reaching the finals, athletes like Hadi Hassanzada (taekwondo), Sayed Amir Hossein Hosseini Pour (table tennis), and Hadi Darvish (Para powerlifting) showed remarkable determination. Para triathlete Ibrahim Al Hussein finished sixth, meeting his personal goal, while Salman Abbariki concluded the team’s events in shotput.

The Games underscored the resilience of displaced people with disabilities, with an estimated 18 million globally forced from their homes. UNHCR, the International Paralympic Committee, and the Olympic Refuge Foundation supported the RPT’s participation in Paris, with the team growing in both size and success since its debut.

“This has been a summer of dreams for refugee athletes,” said Menikdiwela, looking ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Games. The legacy of the RPT continues to grow, inspiring hope and achievement for refugee athletes worldwide.