An Afghan athlete who once had to hide her identity to practice sports has secured a silver medal in the women's road race at the Asian Games.
Fariba Hashimi earned her podium finish on Tuesday during the regional sporting competition held near Nagoya, Japan. The achievement comes shortly after her seventh-place finish in the individual time trial earlier in the week.
Hashimi began cycling in the Faryab province of Afghanistan at the age of 15, following the path of her sister Yulduz, who also competes internationally. Because local restrictions and social hostility made cycling dangerous for women, Hashimi took significant risks to pursue her training. To avoid harassment and physical attacks, she frequently wore men's clothing and covered her face with multiple masks while riding.
Following the return of the Taliban to power in 2021, Hashimi fled her homeland to escape severe limitations on women's freedoms. With assistance from Italian former world champion Alessandra Cappellotto, she relocated to Italy, where she currently lives and trains.
Speaking after her victory, the 23-year-old athlete described the medal as a meaningful milestone that demonstrates the strength and determination of Afghan women. She noted that she grew up in a society where female ambition often faces violent opposition, making her success a personal and symbolic victory against adversity. She expressed hope that her performance will encourage younger generations to pursue their aspirations without fear.
Hashimi also emphasized the broader solidarity she feels from supporters around the globe who share her vision for equality. Together with her sister, she previously competed at the Paris Olympic Games in 2024 and is already looking ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Games, determined to continue her athletic career on the international stage.
Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC News. Read the original report at BBC News.
