Afghan cyclist who disguised herself as man wins Asian Games Silver

NAGOYA: Afghan cyclist Fariba Hashimi has turned one of the most difficult chapters of her life into a remarkable sporting achievement, winning a silver medal in the women’s road race at the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.

The 23-year-old, who now lives and trains in Italy, finished second in the race on Tuesday, describing the medal as “something special” after years of obstacles that once forced her to disguise herself as a man simply to pursue cycling.

Hashimi said she began cycling as a teenager alongside her sister Yulduz, who is also a professional cyclist. In Afghanistan’s northern Faryab province, she faced hostility while training and recalled being attacked with stones.

Her journey became even more difficult after the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Hashimi eventually left Afghanistan with the help of former world champion cyclist Alessandra Cappellotto and relocated to Italy, where she continued developing her career.

The Asian Games silver has now added another major achievement to her international career. Hashimi and her sister previously represented Afghanistan at the Paris Olympics, and she is already looking ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

“I hope that the next generation will come here and represent their country without any fear,” Hashimi said, expressing hope that her achievement would encourage other Afghan women to pursue their dreams.

She also highlighted the practical challenges she faced in Nagoya. Hashimi arrived without a personal mechanic and said she and her small team had to handle much of the bike maintenance themselves.

“I was the mechanic for myself,” she said, adding that the Japanese team stepped in to help repair her bicycle.

Hashimi dedicated part of her success to women who continue to dream despite restrictions on their opportunities.

“This silver medal can show a lot of resilience from Afghan women,” she said.

Her story—from secretly training in Afghanistan to standing on an Asian Games podium in Japan—has made the medal about more than cycling. For Hashimi, it represents years of persistence and a message to young women who hope to compete on the international stage.

The road to Los Angeles now offers her another opportunity to continue that journey.