Afghan Bodybuilder Ali Bilal Wins Men’s Physique Title at New York Pro

The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Afghan bodybuilder Ali Bilal won the men’s physique title at the New York Pro competition in the United States on Friday, adding another major international achievement to his career.

Bilal defeated Brazil’s Edvan Palmeira to secure first place in the men’s open physique division at one of bodybuilding’s top professional events.

Indonesia’s Isa Kesek finished third.

The victory marks another milestone for Bilal, who has become one of Afghanistan’s most successful international athletes in bodybuilding in recent years.

Bilal previously won the New York Pro title and claimed the Arnold Classic Physique title in 2024. He also finished runner-up at the Mr. Olympia men’s physique competition in both 2024 and 2025.

His latest success has drawn praise from sports fans in Afghanistan, where opportunities for athletes to compete internationally remain limited.

Since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, Afghanistan’s sports sector has faced increasing restrictions, especially for women athletes, who have effectively been barred from participating in sports and international competitions.

Male athletes, however, have continued to compete abroad in sports including cricket, mixed martial arts, taekwondo and bodybuilding.