Khudadadi, the first female taekwondo practitioner from Afghanistan, claimed that the sport has succeeded in "transforming human beings confronted with dramatic situations, into beings who mark history".

The Tokyo 2020 Paralympian, who once ran a taekwondo gym with bullet holes in the walls, spoke about why taekwondo means a lot to her.

"Taekwondo can grow anywhere in the world, no matter whether the world faces wars, violence, inequality, gender discrimination, racism, because the message of taekwondo has always been unity, solidarity, justice, support, encouragement and peace," she said.

"Regardless of culture, creed, ethnicity or origin, taekwondo has succeeded in transforming human beings confronted with dramatic situations, into beings who mark history".

Hakizimana, a refugee Paralympic athlete in the Japanese capital two years ago, said he had "newly found hope" after practicing taekwondo.  

The 35-year-old Hakizimana, who fled the Civil Wal in Burundi and migrated to Rwanda, added that he wants to give back to the society through taekwondo.

"Taekwondo serves as a means of social cohesion in addition to being a sport," Hakizimana said.

"Since I started training in Taekwondo, I have felt peace and have newly found hope.

"My taekwondo teammate and I, have participated in friendly competitions with other taekwondo practitioners from around the world, and they have brightened our days.

"This is a present we give to our refugee friends in the camp.

"We have broadened our horizons thanks to taekwondo training and competitions; we are now modern individuals who give back to society."

"Taekwondo resembles peace and, indeed, the eradication of barriers of all kinds."