Afghan woman disguised as a man: From facing restrictions to winning silver at the Asian Games

An Afghan cyclist who disguised herself as a man to pursue her sporting dreams won a silver medal at the Asian Games on Tuesday, expressing hope that her achievement would inspire other women in a country where the Taliban authorities have severely curtailed women’s freedoms.

Fariba Hashemi, who resides in Italy, finished second in the women’s road race near Nagoya, Japan, describing the accomplishment as “something special.”

The 23-year-old said, “I cannot describe my feelings right now,” before recalling memories of being pelted with stones while training in disguise during her early years in the sport as a teenager, alongside her sister Yildoz, who also became a professional cyclist.

She added, “I hope the next generation will come here and represent their country without any fear.”

The Taliban returned to power in 2021, and since then have imposed a series of rules restricting women’s access to education and public life, including sports.

Hashemi, who hails from Faryab Province in northern Afghanistan and left the country after the Taliban seized control, said, “They have taken away our freedom, they have taken away everything from us.”

She continued, “This silver medal can show the resilience of Afghan women, and I am very happy. I am not alone; I know that behind me are millions of women from many countries who share the same dream and stand by my side.”

After fleeing Afghanistan with the help of former world champion Alessandra Cappellotto, Hashemi moved to Italy, where she currently lives and trains.

She and her sister competed in the Paris Olympics two years ago, with the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games now on the horizon.

Hashemi said, “I never want to give up, and I hope we will see what can happen again in Los Angeles.”

She added, “I am here without a mechanic and without any preparation. We brought only one person from the national federation, whose job was solely to drive the car.”