Afghan cyclist Fariba Hashimi has called for freedom and equal opportunities for women following her silver medal at the Asian Games, Afghanistan International reported on Monday.
In the statement described by the broadcaster, Hashimi said women needed the right to study, work and pursue sport without hiding their identities or facing threats.
She contrasted recognition and material support given to male athletes with the treatment of women. Her demand, she said, was freedom rather than taking benefits away from men.
Hashimi also asked supporters to turn online statements into practical action and expressed a wish to return to Afghanistan, see her family and train freely.
She won road-race silver on September 22, becoming Afghanistan’s first female Asian Games medallist since 2002, according to the Olympic Council of Asia.
Sources: Afghanistan International; OCA.
