Society | Sep 02

Afghan athlete fulfills dream in Tokyo

Sep 02 (NHK) - An athlete who was caught in Afghanistan's chaos is living out her dream in Tokyo. She's become only the second woman from her country to compete in the Paralympics.

Zakia Khudadadi took part in the women's 49-kilogram taekwondo event on Thursday, continuing an inspiring story of resilience for Afghanistan.

Khudadadi and long jumper Hossain Rasouli were both prevented from getting to Tokyo safely after the Taliban seized power.

In a video message last month, Khudadadi made a plea for help to be able to leave. And in a sudden turn, the pair were able to evacuate and compete in the games.

In the first round match on Thursday morning, Khudadadi faced a competitor from Uzbekistan.

She scored a powerful point early, but could not hold her lead and eventually lost. Khudadadi will get another chance to compete on Thursday evening.


MORE Society NEWS

Japanese company Smile-Up, the former talent agency known as Johnny & Associates, says it has sent a letter of protest to Britain's public broadcaster BBC over its program on sexual abuse by its late founder. (NHK)

Actress Akane Hotta announced on the 26th that she has married a non-celebrity man she had been dating, sharing her joy on Instagram.

Princess Aiko, the eldest daughter of the Emperor and Empress, made her first solo visit to the tombs of the Showa Emperor and Empress Kojun on Thursday, to report her graduation from Gakushuin University and her new employment at the Japanese Red Cross.

POPULAR NEWS

In a significant movement in the foreign exchange markets, the Japanese yen has once again depreciated, crossing the 158 mark against the U.S. dollar. This level marks the weakest the yen has been in approximately 34 years, signaling ongoing economic pressures and potentially major shifts in Japan's financial landscape.

In a remarkable display of bravery and quick thinking, a seven-year-old girl in Kitakyushu successfully rescued her four-year-old sister who had been kidnapped. The incident, which unfolded on April 13th, began when the siblings were approached by a stranger while playing on the street.

Japan's Cabinet Office's Government Public Relations Office recently stirred controversy with a social media post showcasing an overly lavish depiction of school lunches, leading to a public outcry over the authenticity of the meals presented.

Tokyo's Shinagawa district welcomes a new landmark with the grand opening of the Gotanda JP Building on Friday, April 26, featuring a dog-friendly hotel by Hoshino Resort, co-working spaces, and a vibrant culinary scene.

Japanese company Smile-Up, the former talent agency known as Johnny & Associates, says it has sent a letter of protest to Britain's public broadcaster BBC over its program on sexual abuse by its late founder. (NHK)

FOLLOW US