Zakia Khudadadi: Paralympics Trailblazer with Eyes on Los Angeles 2028

Zakia Khudadadi, the first refugee team member to earn a Paralympic medal, aims to represent France in taekwondo and athletics at the Los Angeles 2028 games. After securing asylum in France following her debut in Tokyo, she won a bronze medal in taekwondo and is training in Paris.

Zakia Khudadadi, a trailblazing athlete from the refugee team, has her sights set on representing France at the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles.

Having made history by clinching a medal in taekwondo at the recent Paralympics, Khudadadi is expanding her ambitions to include athletics. The 25-year-old currently trains at the French Institute for Sport and Performance (INSEP) in Paris.

Khudadadi, who was granted asylum in France in 2021 after being evacuated from Taliban-controlled Kabul, celebrated her bronze medal in the K44-47kg category amidst cheers and French flags at the Grand Palais. Looking ahead, she aims to secure French nationality and compete for two medals in Los Angeles.