Zakia Khudadadi Receives Council of Europe’s “North–South Prize”

Image: Zakia Khudadadi/Instagram

Zakia Khudadadi, a para-taekwondo athlete and member of the Refugee Paralympic Team, has been awarded the prestigious “North–South Prize” of the Council of Europe.

The award was presented to her on Wednesday (October 29) at an official ceremony in the Portuguese Parliament by the President of Portugal.

In a message, Khudadadi described the occasion as one of the most special and unforgettable days of her life. She wrote:

“This is not just an award; it is a symbol of hope, resilience, and belief in dreams for all those who face great obstacles but never give up.”

The Afghan athlete, who fled the country after the fall of Kabul in 2021 and now lives in France, dedicated the award to the women of Afghanistan, refugees, and all athletes striving for a better future.

During the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Khudadadi made history by winning the first-ever medal for the Refugee Team in taekwondo. The bronze medal was hailed as a historic achievement, inspiring not only the Refugee Team but also Afghan girls who continue to fight against adversity.

In her speech at the award ceremony, she said:

“To all women in Afghanistan and beyond, I say: hope is alive, and you are not alone. Sport is the universal language of peace, freedom, and human dignity. Be brave and keep fighting for a better future.”

The “North–South Prize” of the Council of Europe has been awarded annually since 1995 to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the promotion of human rights, equality, and intercultural dialogue among nations.