Zakia Khudadadi received the prestigious International Award on Wednesday at the 4th Alice Milliat Trophy Ceremony, held at the Paris City Hall. Khudadadi, who made history at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games by becoming the first medalist for the Paralympic Refugee Team, was recognized for her extraordinary journey and inspiring triumph.

The Alice Milliat Trophy ceremony honors individuals and organizations that promote gender equality through the development of women’s sport. Seven awards were presented this year, and Khudadadi was presented with the International Award for her historic bronze medal in the Para Taekwondo women’s -47 kg K44 category. Her success not only marked a personal victory, but also an important milestone for the Refugee Paralympic Team.

A STORY OF PERSEVERANCE AND RESILIENCE

Khudadadi’s story is one of perseverance and resilience. Having fled her home country of Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover shortly before the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, she found refuge in France. There, she became the first female athlete from her country to compete in the Paralympics in 16 years. Since then, her career has risen rapidly, culminating in a gold medal at the 2023 European Para Taekwondo Championships in Rotterdam and her historic bronze at Paris 2024.

During the ceremony, Khudadadi expressed her hope that her achievements will serve as a beacon for Afghan women and disabled refugees around the world. “My Paralympic medal is not just a personal achievement, it is a collective medal, a symbol for the millions of Afghan women and for the millions of disabled refugees. It is a symbol of Freedom, Equality and Peace. We are together to bring Freedom back to my country,” she said.

SOLIDARITY ON HIS WAY

Pierre Rabadan, Deputy Mayor of Paris in charge of Sport and the Olympic and Paralympic Games, presented the award to Khudadadi. He praised the “complete chain of solidarity” that allowed her to escape Afghanistan and continue his Taekwondo career. “Zakia is a symbol of what women can do if they are supported, and even beyond what she herself can imagine,” he said.

The Alice Milliat Trophies, launched by the Alice Milliat Foundation in 2021, celebrate figures who embody the spirit of Milliat, a pioneer in the fight for gender equality and women’s sport. This year, the recognition of Khudadadi underscores the global impact of women’s empowerment in sport.

PARA TAEKWONDO, A BENCHMARK SPORT

World Taekwondo, a committed advocate of equal opportunity, has used the sport as a tool for women’s empowerment. In fact, it became the first sport to have an equal number of male and female referees at the Olympic Games, achieving this milestone at Rio 2016.

Khudadadi’s achievements go beyond her personal success, representing a beacon of hope and advancement for women around the world, especially those facing the greatest adversity. Her journey highlights the profound impact of solidarity and how sport can be a catalyst for freedom and equality, inspiring others to overcome adversity.