Afghan cyclist Fariba Hashimi has won a silver medal in the women’s road race at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, marking a historic achievement for Afghanistan.
The 23-year-old, who now lives and trains in Italy, finished second in the race near Nagoya on September 22. Her medal is Afghanistan’s first at these Asian Games and makes Hashimi the country’s first female Asian Games medallist since 2002, according to the Olympic Council of Asia.
Hashimi’s journey to the podium has been marked by major challenges. She began cycling as a teenager in Afghanistan alongside her sister Yulduz. Because of restrictions and hostility toward women riding bicycles, Hashimi said she often dressed as a man and covered her face while going to training.
She recalled facing attacks, including stones and bottles being thrown at her and her sister during their cycling activities. The sisters continued pursuing the sport despite the difficulties and eventually represented Afghanistan at the Paris Olympics.
Hashimi left Afghanistan in 2021 after the Taliban returned to power and later relocated to Italy with assistance from former world champion Alessandra Cappellotto.
After securing the Asian Games silver, Hashimi said she hoped her achievement would inspire the next generation of Afghan women to pursue their dreams without fear.
Her result also adds to a growing international sporting career. Hashimi had previously finished seventh in the women’s individual time trial at the same Asian Games.
She is now looking ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, while continuing to hope that Afghan women will one day be able to compete freely in their home country.
