Zakia Khudadadi, a para-taekwondo champion and the first Afghan medalist in the history of the Paralympic Games, has received the prestigious Council of Europe Prize during an official ceremony held in Lisbon, where the award was presented to her by the President of Portugal at the country’s parliament.
In a message posted on her Instagram account, Khudadadi wrote that this award, known as the North–South Prize, is one of the most important international honors in the field of human rights and intercultural dialogue among nations.
The ceremony was attended by Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President of Portugal, who personally handed the prize to Zakia Khudadadi.
Speaking about the award, Khudadadi said: “For me, this recognition is not just an award—it is a symbol of hope, resilience, and belief in dreams for all those who face great obstacles in life yet refuse to give up.”
She further emphasized: “As a Paralympic athlete and a refugee, I have always believed that sport is not merely competition—it is a bridge connecting people and fostering peace. I dedicate this prize to all refugees, the courageous women of Afghanistan, and athletes everywhere who strive every day to build a better future.”
In recent years, Zakia Khudadadi has shone on major para-taekwondo stages. Her most remarkable achievement was winning a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, an accomplishment that immortalized Afghanistan’s name in Paralympic history.
Earlier, on Thursday, June 25, Khudadadi also received the Women’s Achievement Trophy during the 10th France Euro Méditerranée ceremony held at the French Senate.
On May 29, 2025, she announced that she had won a bronze medal at the Rio Open G2 2025 Para-Taekwondo Championships in Brazil.
Earlier this year, Khudadadi was also recognized by the International Paralympic Committee with the Emerging Leadership Award for International Women’s Day 2025, honoring her advocacy for women’s rights in Afghanistan, especially the right of girls to education and sport.
