Afghan Cyclist Who Once Disguised Herself As Man Wins Asian Games Silver
Afghan cyclist Fariba Hashimi has claimed a historic silver medal in the women’s road race at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, years after she was forced to disguise herself as a man to pursue her passion for cycling in Afghanistan.
The 23-year-old finished second in Tuesday’s road race final at the Shinshiro Cycling Road Course in Aichi Prefecture, with China’s Guo Li taking gold and Hong Kong’s Leung Wing Yee settling for bronze, according to Amu TV.
Hashimi’s latest achievement comes two days after she placed seventh in the women’s individual time trial, where she competed against 14 riders.
She completed the 24.2-kilometre course two minutes and three seconds behind Kazakhstan’s Rinata Sultanova, who won the event.
Hashimi’s path to the Asian Games podium has been marked by significant challenges after she began cycling at the age of 15 alongside her sister, Yulduz.
According to Reuters, Hashimi was forced to disguise herself as a man to attend cycling training sessions in her home province of Faryab.
“I always dressed as a man to go to training, wearing two or three different masks so people would not recognise or attack me. I was scared of them finding me,” she said.
She also recalled being attacked while training with her sister, saying stones and bottles were thrown at them in an attempt to force them to abandon the sport.
“I sometimes had a big stone thrown at my head. People were throwing bottles at me. They were trying to make us go home by being aggressive and attacking us,” Hashimi said.
Hashimi fled Afghanistan after the Taliban returned to power in 2021 and subsequently settled in Italy, where she and Yulduz continued their cycling careers.
The sisters went on to represent Afghanistan at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Hashimi said her participation in international competitions represents more than personal achievement, describing it as a symbol of hope for Afghan women and girls.
“For me it’s not just about my performance but showing my country a woman in this situation. We are still alive and still fighting,” she said.
She also expressed hope that future generations of Afghan girls would be able to compete internationally without having to leave their country.
“I hope something can change so the next generation can come from inside of the country to compete at the Asian Games, exploring the world and winning medals,” Hashimi added.
Her silver medal adds to Afghanistan’s achievements at the Asian Games and caps a remarkable chapter in a cycling journey that began under extraordinary circumstances.
The 23-year-old finished second in Tuesday’s road race final at the Shinshiro Cycling Road Course in Aichi Prefecture, with China’s Guo Li taking gold and Hong Kong’s Leung Wing Yee settling for bronze, according to Amu TV.
Hashimi’s latest achievement comes two days after she placed seventh in the women’s individual time trial, where she competed against 14 riders.
She completed the 24.2-kilometre course two minutes and three seconds behind Kazakhstan’s Rinata Sultanova, who won the event.
Hashimi’s path to the Asian Games podium has been marked by significant challenges after she began cycling at the age of 15 alongside her sister, Yulduz.
According to Reuters, Hashimi was forced to disguise herself as a man to attend cycling training sessions in her home province of Faryab.
“I always dressed as a man to go to training, wearing two or three different masks so people would not recognise or attack me. I was scared of them finding me,” she said.
She also recalled being attacked while training with her sister, saying stones and bottles were thrown at them in an attempt to force them to abandon the sport.
“I sometimes had a big stone thrown at my head. People were throwing bottles at me. They were trying to make us go home by being aggressive and attacking us,” Hashimi said.
Hashimi fled Afghanistan after the Taliban returned to power in 2021 and subsequently settled in Italy, where she and Yulduz continued their cycling careers.
The sisters went on to represent Afghanistan at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Hashimi said her participation in international competitions represents more than personal achievement, describing it as a symbol of hope for Afghan women and girls.
“For me it’s not just about my performance but showing my country a woman in this situation. We are still alive and still fighting,” she said.
She also expressed hope that future generations of Afghan girls would be able to compete internationally without having to leave their country.
“I hope something can change so the next generation can come from inside of the country to compete at the Asian Games, exploring the world and winning medals,” Hashimi added.
Her silver medal adds to Afghanistan’s achievements at the Asian Games and caps a remarkable chapter in a cycling journey that began under extraordinary circumstances.
