First Afghan woman to compete internationally after Taliban takeover seeks Olympic gold in Paris Winnipeg Free Press [Video]

PARIS (AP) — Zakia Khudadadi has spent most of her life breaking through glass ceilings. Or rather, smashing through them with a sidekick.

The taekwondo Paralympian made history in 2021 in Tokyo, becoming the first Afghan woman to compete in an international sporting event since the Taliban took back control of her country as U.S. and NATO troops withdrew following 20 year of war.

Originally blocked from competing following the rise of the Taliban, she was later evacuated from Afghanistan and allowed to compete for her country following a plea from the international community.

In the 2024 Paralympics, part of the wider Olympic competitions in Paris, Khudadadi said she is competing in the name of women in her country who have gradually been stripped of their rights over the past three years.

“It’s hard for me because I’d like to compete under my country’s flag,” she said. But “life for …