Iran's First Female Olympic Medalist Joins Bulgarian Team

Kimia Alizadeh, the first Iranian woman to win an Olympic medal, has joined the Bulgarian national taekwondo team after leaving Iran. 

Bulgarian Taekwondo Federation President Slavtcho Binev praised Alizadeh's potential, calling her "a potential gold medalist."

"We are in contact with the government to expedite the paperwork and expect their full support in the coming days," Binev said.

According to Binev, the deadline to finalize Alizadeh's participation with Bulgaria or the Refugee Team is April 15.

Alizadeh boasts six historic achievements in taekwondo and Iranian women's sports. 

Her defection has garnered significant national and international attention.

In a previous Instagram post, Alizadeh said, "I am not a history maker, nor the flag bearer of Iran."

"I am one of millions of oppressed Iranian women who have been dictated to for years. They controlled my every move, my clothing, and even my words. They used my medals to promote their own agenda," she added.