An Afghan cyclist who previously disguised herself as a man to train safely in her home country has won a silver medal at the Asian Games.
23-year-old Fariba Hashimi won the medal on Tuesday in the women’s road race near Nagoya in Japan.
Hashimi fled Afghanistan in 2021 when the Taliban took over and introduced sweeping restrictions on women’s rights in the country. She is now based in Italy.
“For millions of women seeking freedom and equality, this is for you,” she said after the race.
“Receiving this silver medal is a moment I will carry with me for a lifetime. This achievement is not only personal. I dedicate it to every woman and girl around the world who continues to pursue her dreams despite challenges and obstacles.”
Hashimi first entered the sport at age 15 alongside her sister Yulduz, who is also an international cyclist. They faced many obstacles and even danger in the pursuit of their cycling dreams.
“I always dressed as a man to go to training, wearing two or three different masks so people would not recognise or attack me,” Hashimi told Reuters. “I was scared of them finding me.
“I sometimes had a big stone thrown at my head. People were throwing bottles at me. They were trying to make us go home by being aggressive and attacking us.”
It’s now been over five years since the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, a situation that has become the most severe women’s rights crisis in the world. In this time, the Taliban have issued more than 100 decrees affecting Afghan women and girls and stripping them of their rights, freedoms, and dignity, according to the UN.
Eight in 10 young women are not in education, training or jobs, while 50 per cent of women only leave home once or twice a month due to the restrictions on their movements and access to public spaces.
Since fleeing the Taliban, Hashimi has gone on to compete in the 2024 Olympic Games, and also has her sights set on the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
On Instagram she said: “You can throw stones, you can try to stop me, but you cannot stop someone who believes in her purpose.”
“I know I am not alone. I carry the support, courage, and dreams of so many women with me. This achievement is for you.
“Believe in yourself. Keep moving forward. Never give up on your dreams.”