[By NBC-1TV K, Y Yi] SEOUL, Korea (29 August, 2021) - World Taekwondo today praised the collective efforts of the
International Paralympic Committee (IPC), the Centre for Sports and Human
Rights, and governments in working with the federation to ensure Afghanistan
Para Taekwondo athlete Zakia Khudadadi can compete at the Paralympic Games
Tokyo 2020.
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. Khudadadi and Rasouli will compete under the
Afghanistan flag, and Kuhdadadi will become the first female Para athlete to
have represented the country when she competes in the Women’s K44 -49kg
competition on September 2.
International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons said:
“Thanks to the outstanding efforts of several Governments, the
Centre for Sport and Human Rights, Human Rights for All, the French Paralympic
Committee, the British Paralympic Association, World Taekwondo, Zakia and
Hossain are now in Tokyo to fulfil their dreams, sending out a strong message
of hope to many others around the world.”
Due to the high risks and safety of the athletes and officials, the
whole operation was kept a secret until the delegation safely arrived in 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.”
“We thank the IPC and the Centre for Sports and Human Rights, and
the countless others for their meaningful collaboration. We are proud to have
been part of this partnership. Working together, sport can play a powerful role
in promoting peace and inspiring hope.”