Afghan Cyclist Who Disguised as Man Wins Asian Games Silver

Afghan cyclist Fariba Hashimi has won a silver medal in the women’s road race at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, completing a remarkable journey from hiding her identity during training to competing on the international stage.

The 23-year-old finished second in the road race at the Shinshiro Cycling Road Course on Tuesday, behind China’s Guo Li, while Hong Kong’s Leung Wing Yee claimed the bronze medal.

Hashimi’s medal came two days after she finished seventh in the women’s individual time trial, where she competed against 14 riders.

Her achievement is particularly significant because of the challenges she faced while pursuing cycling in Afghanistan.

Hashimi began cycling at the age of 15 after following her sister, Yulduz, into the sport in their home province of Faryab.

However, the sisters faced hostility while training, forcing Fariba to disguise herself as a man to participate in cycling sessions.

She previously said she wore multiple masks and men’s clothing because she feared being recognised and attacked while travelling to training.

She also recalled incidents in which people threw stones and bottles at her and her sister in an attempt to stop them from cycling.

The Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021 forced Hashimi to leave the country. She subsequently moved to Italy, where she continued developing her cycling career with her sister.

With support from former road cycling world champion Alessandra Cappellotto, the sisters continued competing internationally and represented Afghanistan at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Hashimi’s latest achievement adds an Asian Games medal to her growing international record and provides another milestone in her career.

She has said her participation in international competitions represents more than personal achievement, expressing hope that her journey can inspire Afghan women and girls who want to pursue sport and other ambitions.

Hashimi has also expressed a desire to return to Afghanistan in the future and encourage a new generation of female athletes.

Her silver medal comes amid continuing restrictions on Afghan women and girls under the Taliban authorities, including limitations affecting education, employment and participation in public life.

For Hashimi, competing internationally has therefore become closely connected with her hope that Afghan women will eventually have greater opportunities to pursue their ambitions within the country.

The Asian Games medal marks the latest chapter in her journey from a young cyclist who secretly trained in Afghanistan to an Olympian and now an Asian Games medallist.