Afghan cyclist who dressed as a man to avoid Taliban wins silver medal at Asian Games

Fariba Hashimi, an Afghan cyclist forced to disguise herself as a man to escape the Taliban, won a silver medal at the Asian Games on Tuesday. The 23-year-old Hashimi fled Afghanistan in 2021 after the Taliban returned to power and imposed strict limitations on women's participation in various aspects of life, including sports. To avoid being attacked, Hashimi would dress as a man, sometimes using multiple masks to conceal her identity.

On Tuesday, Hashimi secured the second position behind China's Guo Li in the women's road race in Japan. She expressed that winning the medal was "something special" and hoped it would inspire other women in Afghanistan to pursue their dreams. "I can't explain my feelings right now," Hashimi said, reflecting on the joy of escaping a country where women were targeted for their aspirations.

Hashimi and her sister, Yulduz, began their cycling careers at the age of 15, despite the dangers in their province of Faryab. Hashimi's mother described her as a "fighter" who refused to give up on her dreams. Now residing in Italy with the support of former world champion Alessandra Cappellotto, Hashimi emphasized the resilience demonstrated by Afghan women through her achievement. She expressed gratitude to the Japanese team for providing assistance during her competition, despite the limited resources available.

Hashimi and her sister participated in the 2024 Paris Olympics, and they now have their sights set on the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Hashimi vowed never to give up on her dreams, stating that she hopes to see more Afghan women represent their country fearlessly.