Zakia Khudadadi, an Afghan para-taekwondo athlete and the first medalist in the history of the IOC Refugee Olympic Team, has recently announced that she received the “Women’s Achievement” award in France.
Ms. Khudadadi shared several photos on her Instagram account, announcing that she received the award during the 10th edition of the France Euro Méditerranée ceremony held at the French Senate.
In a message, she stated that she received the award alongside women from Algeria and Saudi Arabia, describing it as an unforgettable moment.
The Afghan athlete added: “I dedicate this award to my fellow countrymen and all the girls who, despite obstacles, move forward with courage and hope.”
This comes after Zakia Khudadadi announced on May 28, 2025, that she had won a bronze medal at the Rio Open G2 2025 Para-Taekwondo competition in Brazil.
Earlier this year, she also received the Emerging Leadership category of the 2025 International Women’s Day Award from the International Paralympic Committee for her advocacy of women’s rights in Afghanistan—especially the right of girls to education and sports.
It is worth noting that Zakia Khudadadi was the first Afghan female athlete to participate in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, where she earned the title of “Brave Woman” of the competition.
Previously, she has also won: Gold at the European Para-Taekwondo Championships, Bronze at the 2022 World Grand Prix, Silver at an international tournament in Albania, and Bronze at the 2016 Egypt Para-Taekwondo Championships.
