Zakiya Khodadadi, a female athlete from Afghanistan who left the country after the return of the caretaker government, is seeking to win a gold medal at the 2024 Paralympics, which is part of the Olympic events in Paris.
Ms. Khodadadi stated that she competes in the name of the women and girls of her country who have gradually been deprived of their social, educational, and political rights over the past three years.
Associated Press reported that this Paralympic taekwondo athlete made history in 2021 in Tokyo by becoming the first Afghan woman to participate in an international sporting event after the current government’s takeover.
Khodadadi was banned from competing when the caretaker government regained power. She was allowed to represent her country after leaving Afghanistan and at the request of the international community.
In a conversation with the Associated Press, this female athlete said, “It is difficult for me because I want to compete with my country’s flag; however, life has been forbidden for all girls and women in Afghanistan. Today I am here to win a medal in Paris for them. I want to show strength to all women and girls in Afghanistan.”
The report noted that Khodadadi began practicing taekwondo at the age of 11. She trained secretly in a gym in her hometown of Herat because there were simply no other opportunities for women to safely engage in sports in Afghanistan.
According to the Associated Press, despite the restrictive culture surrounding her, her family has allowed and encouraged her to be active.
She mentioned that her determination to compete in Afghanistan was fueled by her disability.
Khodadadi competes for the Refugee Paralympic Team, while other athletes like Kimia Yousofi, an Olympic runner, were seeking medals under the Afghan flag, managing to secure the 31st position among 36 athletes.
Zakiya Khodadadi is set to compete for the Refugee Paralympic Team.
