NAGOYA — Afghan cyclist Fariba Hashimi finished seventh in the women’s individual time trial at the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, on September 20. Reuters reported that the 23-year-old viewed the result as a significant personal achievement after years of obstacles that began when she took up cycling in Afghanistan. According to Reuters, Hashimi grew up in Faryab province and faced strong social opposition while training, including attacks and occasions when she disguised herself as a man to ride. Those details are based on Hashimi’s account and were not independently verified.
After the Taliban returned to power in 2021, Hashimi left Afghanistan and later settled in Italy. Reuters said former cycling world champion Alessandra Cappellotto helped her and her sister Yulduz continue their careers. Hashimi has since competed internationally, including at the Paris Olympics.
Her seventh-place finish comes as Afghan athletes participate in the 20th Asian Games. Reuters reported the result and Hashimi’s account, while Afghanistan’s state-run Bakhtar News Agency provided broader context on the country’s participation in the Games.