Fariba Hashimi wins Asian Games silver for Afghanistan

Fariba Hashimi won silver for Afghanistan in the women's road race near Nagoya, Japan, at the Asian Games on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old cyclist, who now lives and trains in Italy, said the medal was “something special” and linked it to the struggle of Afghan women under Taliban rule.

Hashimi said she was attacked with stones and trained disguised as a man when she began cycling as a teenager with her sister Yulduz, who is also now a professional cyclist.

“I hope that the next generation will come here and represent their country without any fear,” Hashimi said.

Taliban authorities returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021 and have imposed rules limiting women's access to education, public life and sport. Hashimi left Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover with help from Italian former world champion Alessandra Cappellotto.

Hashimi and her sister competed at the Paris Olympics two years ago. She said she hoped to compete again at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.