Fariba Hashimi, an Afghan female cyclist, won the silver medal in the women's road cycling event at the Asian Games in Japan after previously disguising herself as a man to train and avoid harm from the Taliban. She hopes this achievement will inspire women in her country to pursue their dreams without fear.
Fariba Hashimi, a 23-year-old Afghan female cyclist, won the silver medal in the women's road cycling competition near Nagoya, Japan, on Tuesday (22 Sep), finishing second behind Chinese cyclist Guo Li at the Asian Games. Earlier, she placed seventh in the women's individual time trial on Sunday.
Hashimi had to disguise herself as a man to train in Afghanistan due to fears of being attacked in a society with strict restrictions on women's rights. She revealed that early in her athletic career, she wore men's clothing and used two to three masks to avoid recognition or harm, also having to avoid stones thrown at her while cycling.
She began cycling at age 15, following in the footsteps of her older sister Yuldus, who is also an international cyclist, despite both facing dangers in Faryab Province in northern Afghanistan.
After the Taliban regained power in 2021, Hashimi decided to leave the country and relocated to Italy to live and train, receiving support from Alessandra Cappellotto, a former Italian cycling world champion.
Hashimi said this silver medal holds special meaning and hopes it will inspire the next generation of Afghan women to pursue their dreams. "I was born in a country where women with dreams face violence, and I am very happy to have fought against that. I hope the next generation can come here and represent their country without fear."
She also spoke about the situation under Taliban rule, saying the group has taken away freedom and everything from women. She emphasized that she is not fighting alone, as millions of women from many countries share her dreams.
Hashimi and her sister participated in the 2024 Paris Olympics and are now aiming for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with Hashimi affirming that she will not give up.
Additionally, Hashimi thanked the Japanese cycling team for helping repair her bike during the competition, as she traveled without a team mechanic and had to maintain her bike herself. She said the Japanese team was very kind and supportive, contributing to her success in winning the silver medal.