Fariba Hashimi, an Afghan cyclist who once resorted to disguising herself as a man to safely train in her home country, achieved a significant milestone by winning a silver medal in the women’s road race near Nagoya, Japan, on Tuesday. The 23-year-old athlete described the achievement as something truly special, noting that she struggled to put her emotions into words following the race.
Reflecting on her journey, Hashimi recounted the dangers she faced as a teenager starting in the sport alongside her sister, Yulduz, who is also a professional cyclist. During those formative years, she was frequently pelted with stones by those opposed to women participating in athletics. She expressed deep satisfaction in fighting against the systemic barriers placed upon women in her homeland, stating her hope that future generations will eventually compete on the global stage without fear.
Since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021, they have enforced strict regulations that severely restrict women’s access to education, public life, and sports. Hashimi, a native of Faryab province, fled the country after the transition of power. She emphasized that the silver medal serves as a testament to the resilience of Afghan women, asserting that she feels supported by millions of others globally who share similar dreams.
Now based in Italy, Hashimi arrived there following her escape with the assistance of Italian former world champion Alessandra Cappellotto. Despite the success, the athlete noted the lack of institutional support, explaining that she attended the competition without a dedicated mechanic or formal preparation. She managed her own equipment, including cleaning and repairing her bike, though she expressed gratitude to the Japanese team for their assistance with technical repairs during the event.
Looking ahead, the cyclist remains focused on her future in the sport. Having previously competed at the Paris Olympics two years ago, she is already targeting the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Hashimi insisted she has no intention of giving up, expressing hope that she can replicate her success and continue her career on the international circuit. The report also notes that “I can’t explain my feelings now,” said the 23-year-old, before reflecting on how she was attacked with stones and trained disguised as a man when she started out in the sport as a teenager, along with her sister Yulduz, who is also now a pro cyclist.
