Fariba Hashimi Asian Games silver medalist marks a historic moment for Afghanistan after the 23-year-old cyclist, who once disguised herself as a man to train safely, overcame years of danger and exile to reach the podium in Japan.
NAGOYA: Fariba Hashimi Asian Games silver medalist has completed an extraordinary journey from secretly training on Afghanistan’s roads to standing on the podium at one of Asia’s biggest sporting events.
The 23-year-old cyclist finished second in the women’s road race near Nagoya, Japan, on September 22, 2026. The result delivered Afghanistan its first medal of the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games and made Hashimi the country’s first female Asian Games medallist since 2002.
Why did Fariba Hashimi cycle disguised as a man?
Hashimi grew up in Afghanistan’s Faryab province and began cycling with her older sister Yulduz. The sisters borrowed bicycles after discovering a local race in 2017, learnt to ride and then remarkably finished first and second.
But pursuing the sport presented serious dangers. Hashimi concealed her identity, used false names and dressed as a man while training. The sisters faced hostility on the roads, including stones and bottles being thrown at them.
After the Taliban returned to power in 2021, Fariba and Yulduz left Afghanistan and moved to Italy, where they were able to continue developing their cycling careers.
Historic silver puts Afghanistan back on the podium
Fariba Hashimi Asian Games silver came after another strong performance earlier in the competition, when she finished seventh in the women’s individual time trial.
In the road race, Hashimi powered to second place behind China’s Guo Li. The result carried significance beyond her own sporting ambitions because of the obstacles she faced before reaching international competition.
“This silver medal can show a lot of resilience from Afghan women,” Hashimi said after the race. She added that she knew millions of women with similar dreams were standing behind her.
From Afghanistan to the Olympic stage
Hashimi’s journey had already taken her to the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she represented Afghanistan in road cycling and served as one of the country’s flagbearers.
Now based in Italy, she continues to compete internationally while speaking about her hope that future generations of Afghan women will be able to pursue sport without fear.
Fariba Hashimi Asian Games silver adds a defining achievement to that journey, transforming years of secret training, danger and displacement into a historic medal for Afghanistan.
Impact to expect
Hashimi’s success could bring greater international attention to Afghan women in sport while giving greater visibility to athletes seeking opportunities to train and compete internationally.
