Afghan Cyclist Fariba Hashimi Takes Asian Games Silver

Fariba Hashimi, who once trained in disguise and now lives in Italy, finished second in the women's road race near Nagoya and dedicated the result to Afghan women.

Fariba Hashimi, a 23-year-old cyclist from Afghanistan's Faryab province, claimed silver in the women's road race at the Asian Games near Nagoya, Japan, on Tuesday. Based in Italy, she described the result as something special and struggled to put her emotions into words after crossing the line second.

Hashimi began riding as a teenager alongside her sister Yulduz, now also a professional, and trained while dressed as a man after being attacked with stones. She said she came from a country where women with dreams face attacks, and expressed hope that future generations can represent Afghanistan without fear.

Taliban authorities returned to power in 2021 and have restricted women's access to education and public life, including sport. Hashimi said they took away women's freedom and everything else, adding that millions of women in many countries share her dream and stand behind her.

She left Afghanistan with assistance from former Italian world champion Alessandra Cappellotto and settled in Italy, where she trains. Both sisters raced at the Paris Olympics, and Hashimi said she refuses to give up and hopes for another strong showing at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

Competing without a mechanic or preparation support, Hashimi handled her own bike repairs with just one federation staffer driving the team car. She thanked the Japanese team, which she said was very kind and fixed her bike during the event.