An Afghan cyclist who once disguised herself as a man to pursue her sporting dreams won a “special” silver at the Asian Games.
She hopes her silver will inspire women in a country where their freedoms have been sharply curtailed.
Ms Fariba Hashimi powered home second in the women’s road race, calling the triumph “something special”.
“I can’t explain my feelings now,” said the 23-year-old, who fled Afghanistan after the Taliban authorities returned to power in 2021.
She reflected on how she was attacked with stones and trained dressed as a man when she started out in the sport as a teenager along with sister Ms Yulduz, who is also now a pro cyclist.
“I was born inside a country where the women who dream are getting attacked, and I’m really happy that I have fought against that,” said Ms Fariba, who is now based in Italy. AFP
