I am excited to share the story of Yulduz and Fariba Hashimi, two athletes from Afghanistan who were able to escape the Taliban and chase their dreams.
Yulduz and Fariba Hashimi were born and raised in Afghanistan, where the Taliban had taken control in 2021. Despite the immense challenges of living in a war-torn country, the pair was determined to pursue their dreams of becoming athletes. However, when their lives were threatened, they were forced to make a difficult choice: either stay in Afghanistan and risk their lives, or leave their family and embark on a journey of unknowns.
They chose to put their dreams first, and in a daring escape, they fled Afghanistan and eventually made it to the United States. Once in the U.S., they continued to pursue their athletic ambitions by training and competing in various sports. They also used their experiences to advocate for the importance of education and gender equality, especially in their home country of Afghanistan.
Today, Yulduz and Fariba are inspiring figures for many young people in Afghanistan and around the world. They are a testament to the power of perseverance and resilience, and a reminder that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. Through their story, they have shown that no matter the obstacles, chasing your dreams is worth the risk.
The Hashimis’ story of bravery and courage is a truly remarkable one, and I’m sure that their journey will continue to inspire others for years to come.