Zakia Khudadadi became the first-ever Olympic medallist for the Refugee Paralympics team at the ongoing Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. The 25-year-old, who competed in the women’s K44 -47kg division, lost to Ziyodakhon Isakova of Uzbekistan in the quarter-finals on Day 1. The Afghanistan-born won her repechage bout against Nurcihan Ekinci of Turkiye by 9-1, winning her as well as refugee team’s maiden medal at the Paralympic Games.
Zakia, who participated at the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021 under the Afghanistan flag, moved into the refugee team after uncertain times in the country. For those who don’t know, the Refugee Paralympics team competes under the large flag of the Agitos, the Paralympic logo. The 25-year-old burst into a wild celebration after her bronze medal win at the Grand Palais.
“I’m so, so happy. For me, this medal is a dream. Today, I am in a dream,” said Khudadadi. “This is for me, like life,” she added.
I worked hard these years and faced challenges: Zakia Khudadadi
After winning the medal, Zakia took a lap around the mat while holding the Refugee team flag. She said that despite the difficulties in the past, what matters that she managed to win a medal.
“I’m so proud of this flag because today, I am a refugee. Today I am a refugee,” said Khudadadi, who currently lives and trains in France. “I worked hard these three years and there were problems that I had but that is in the past. Now is important. Now I am a bronze medallist,” she added.