Afghan Cyclist Hashimi Wins Asian Games Silver Medal

NAGOYA: (Sports Desk) – Afghan cyclist Fariba Hashimi won a silver medal in the women’s road race at the Asian Games near Nagoya, Japan, on Tuesday, describing the achievement as a deeply meaningful moment and a message of hope for women in Afghanistan.

The 23-year-old cyclist, who now lives and trains in Italy, finished second in the race after overcoming significant obstacles to pursue her sporting career.

Hashimi recalled that when she began cycling as a teenager, she sometimes had to disguise herself as a man to train. She said she was also attacked with stones because of her participation in the sport.

“I was born inside a country where the women who dream are getting attacked, and I’m really happy that I have fought against that,” Hashimi said after securing the silver medal.

She expressed hope that her achievement would encourage young Afghan women to pursue their ambitions and represent their country without fear.

Hashimi is originally from Faryab province in northern Afghanistan and left the country after the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Since then, Taliban authorities have introduced restrictions affecting women’s access to education, public life and sports.

“They took away our freedom, they took away everything from us,” Hashimi said, adding that her medal demonstrated the resilience of Afghan women.

She also said she felt supported by millions of women around the world who share similar dreams and aspirations.

Hashimi was helped to leave Afghanistan by Italian former world champion cyclist Alessandra Cappellotto. She subsequently settled in Italy, where she continued her training and professional cycling career.

Fariba and her sister Yulduz Hashimi, who is also a professional cyclist, both represented Afghanistan at the Paris Olympics two years ago. Fariba now has her sights set on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

“I never want to give up,” she said, expressing hope about competing again on the Olympic stage.

Hashimi also praised the Japanese cycling team for helping her during the Asian Games. She said she arrived without a personal mechanic and had to handle much of the bike maintenance herself.

According to Hashimi, she and her small delegation repaired and cleaned her bicycle on their own during the competition. She thanked the Japanese team for stepping in and helping fix her bike.