Fariba Hashmi, who fled Afghanistan after the 2001 Taliban takeover, disguised herself as a boy to practice cycling under strict restrictions.
An Afghan cyclist who once had to disguise herself as a boy to train safely in her homeland has won a silver medal at the Asian Games.
Fariba Hashmi secured the second-place finish on Tuesday, completing the race in two hours, 50 minutes, and five seconds, according to a report by the Associated Press.
Growing up in Afghanistan, where women’s rights are severely restricted, Hashmi faced immense hurdles to pursue her passion. Although she had cycled since childhood, continuing as she grew older became virtually impossible amid societal pressures.
Encouraged by a former athlete who recognized her talent, Hashmi found a way to practice by wearing men’s clothing and tucking her hair under a cap to avoid unwanted attention. When she felt someone might recognize her, she would wrap a scarf around the lower half of her face in the manner of local boys.
Despite these precautions, Hashmi said there were moments when people discovered she was a woman. When recognized, individuals sometimes attempted to catch or throw stones at her.
Hashmi left Afghanistan in 2021 following the Taliban’s return to power to pursue her athletic ambitions. “When the Taliban came, I left the country to fulfill my dream,” she said. “I wanted to show the world that if Afghan women are given the opportunity, they can achieve anything.”
Reflecting on her victory, the 23-year-old expressed joy and emotion, noting that she hopes to return to her homeland one day. “I hope that one day I will go back to my country and ride my bike on the streets of Kabul, and I will include other Afghan women in this spirit,” she said.
Hashmi also expressed optimism for future change in Afghanistan, suggesting that public frustration with current conditions is becoming apparent to the authorities. “I know how powerful a woman can be, and that is why the Taliban are afraid of women,” she added.
