Afghan Parataekwondo Athlete arrives in Tokyo to compete at Paralympics

Afghan athlete Zakia Khudadadi hasarrived in Tokyo as they look set to compete at the Parataekwondo Games here, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has confirmed.

Khudadadi will be Afghanistan’s first female athlete to participate at the Games since Athens 2004 when she takes part in the women’s K44 under-49 kilograms taekwondo competition on September 2.

In a major operation, World Taekwondo was involved in ensuring members of the Afghanistan delegation were able to travel to Tokyo. Khudadadi was joined by Para Athletics athlete Hossain Rasouli and Chef de Mission Arian Sadiqi from Paris to Tokyo.

 

World Taekwondo President Chungwon Choue said:


“World Taekwondo is delighted to have been able to play a part in ensuring Zakia and Hossain can come to Tokyo and be a part of these historic Paralympic Games. At World Taekwondo we believe strongly that everyone should have access to sport irrespective of their gender, nationality or ability. Zakia and Hossain’s determination to overcome adversity is an inspiration to all of us.” 

“Peace is more precious than triumph.”