Afghan cyclist who disguised herself as a man to evade Taliban wins Asian Games silver

The Guardian UK Tuesday 22 September 2026, 08:10 UTC By Agence France Presse 1 min read

Key Points

Fariba Hashimi fled after Taliban returned to power‘This medal can show resilience from Afghan women’An Afghan cyclist who disguised herself as a man to pursue her sporting dreams won an Asian Games silver medal on Tuesday, hoping it inspires other women in a country where Taliban authorities have sharply curtailed their freedoms. Fariba Hashimi, who is based in Italy, powered home second in the women’s road race near Nagoya in Japan, calling the triumph “something special”.

Fariba Hashimi fled after Taliban returned to power
‘This medal can show resilience from Afghan women’

An Afghan cyclist who disguised herself as a man to pursue her sporting dreams won an Asian Games silver medal on Tuesday, hoping it inspires other women in a country where Taliban authorities have sharply curtailed their freedoms.

Fariba Hashimi, who is based in Italy, powered home second in the women’s road race near Nagoya in Japan, calling the triumph “something special”.

Afghan (ORG) Taliban (ORG) Asian Games (ORG) Fariba Hashimi (PERSON) Italy (LOCATION) Nagoya (LOCATION) Japan (LOCATION)

Originally published by The Guardian UK Read original →

Henry Pollock: England star signs new multi-year deal with Northampton Saints to stay with defending PREM champions Henry Pollock's contract with Northampton Saints had been due to expire at the end of the 2026-27 season; the England international previously said he was open to exploring all options over his future Tuesday 22 September 2026 09:40, UK Henry Pollock has signed a new multi-year contract extension with Northampton Saints that will see him stay at his boyhood club beyond this...

Sky Sports Football just now

England fast bowler Wood retires from internationals

England fast bowler Mark Wood announces his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect.

BBC UK 10m ago

Major change at every A&E hospital in England as Martha's Rule rolled out for patients

Major change at every A&E hospital in England as Martha's Rule rolled out for patients Martha's Law is being introduced following the 2021 death by sepsis of Martha Mills at King's College Hospital London, with the rollout set to be completed by 2028 The NHS has announced it will extend Martha's Rule across hospital A&E departments in England, enabling patients and their families to challenge decisions about their care. The policy, named after 13-year-old Martha Mills, who died at King's...

Daily Mirror 25m ago

England fast bowler Wood retires from internationals

England fast bowler Mark Wood announces his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect.

BBC UK 28m ago

Afghan cyclist who disguised herself as a man to evade Taliban wins Asian Games silver

Related Stories

'Just getting started' - Pollock signs new multi-year deal with Saints

England fast bowler Wood retires from internationals

Major change at every A&E hospital in England as Martha's Rule rolled out for patients

England fast bowler Wood retires from internationals