KABUL, Afghanistan — Afghanistan’s Ali Reza Asahi, a two-time world bodybuilding champion, on Thursday died due to an illness. He was 49.
The National Bodybuilding Federation confirmed Asahi’s death in a statement, adding that his funeral is scheduled for Friday in the Omid Sabz township in Kabul.
A celebrated figure in the sport, Asahi won back-to-back gold medals in 2023 and 2024 in the global bodybuilding championships, competing in the Masters category.
His victories brought pride to Afghanistan’s sports community and elevated his status as a national icon in bodybuilding.
Asahi’s death marks a significant loss for the Afghan athletic world, where his achievements served as a beacon of perseverance and dedication amid challenging circumstances.
