DID Press: Afghan-born para-taekwondo athlete Zakia Khudadadi has claimed the gold medal at the European Para-Taekwondo Championships, delivering a standout performance against top competitors from Italy, Georgia, and Turkey.
Khudadadi, who is currently based in France, secured the championship title after a series of dominant matches, adding another major achievement to her growing international career.
She previously made history by winning a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, becoming the first Afghan female athlete to ever earn a Paralympic medal.
After her Paralympic success, Khudadadi relocated to France and obtained French citizenship in 2025. She now competes under the French flag in international events, while remaining an inspirational figure for Afghan women in sports.
The athlete has stated that her main goal is to win gold at the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games, and her recent European triumph is seen as a significant step toward that ambition.