Afghan Cyclist Fariba Hashimi Dedicates Asian Games Silver Medal to Indonesian Women

Afghan cyclist Fariba Hashimi, 23, has dedicated her silver medal won in the women's road race at the Asian Games 2026 to Indonesian women who continue to strive for their dreams. Hashimi conveyed this message through an Instagram post after securing the medal in the women's road race event. In her post, Hashimi shared a proud photo of herself holding and wearing the silver medal she earned in Aichi-Nagoya. She emphasized that her achievement is not solely for herself. "This is for the millions of women who yearn for freedom and equality," Hashimi wrote in her caption. Hashimi described the silver medal as an achievement she will cherish for a lifetime. She also dedicated the result to women and girls worldwide who persist in pursuing their dreams despite facing various challenges and obstacles. "I dedicate this to every woman and girl around the world who continues to chase their dreams despite facing challenges and obstacles," Hashimi wrote. The 23-year-old cyclist also asserted her determination to keep moving forward, regardless of any attempts to stop her. "You can throw stones, you can try to stop me, but you cannot stop someone who believes in their purpose," Hashimi stated. Hashimi believes she is not fighting alone, feeling that she carries the support, courage, and dreams of many women with her on her journey as an athlete. Therefore, she urged women to believe in themselves, keep moving forward, and never give up on their dreams. "I know I am not alone. I carry the support, courage, and dreams of so many women with me. This achievement is for you. Believe in yourself. Keep moving forward. Never give up on your dreams," Hashimi wrote. The medal marks a significant part of Hashimi's journey as an athlete. She left Afghanistan in 2021 after the Taliban regained power and subsequently continued her life and cycling training in Italy. Hashimi secured the silver medal in the women's road race at the Asian Games 2026 on Tuesday (22/9), finishing behind China's Guo Li. This result marks Afghanistan's first medal at the Asian Games 2026 and makes Hashimi the first Afghan female athlete to win an Asian Games medal since 2002. At the end of her post, Hashimi expressed her sincere gratitude to several individuals who have supported her throughout her journey as an athlete. "My sincere thanks to my federation, my team, my family, and everyone who has supported me along this journey," Hashimi wrote.