Thousands of residents in Herat gathered at the airport square and the gymnasium of the Directorate of Physical Education and Sports to welcome Ali Bilal, the renowned bodybuilding athlete and runner-up of the Mr. Olympia world competitions.
According to the Communications Department of the Directorate of Physical Education and Sports of Herat, Ali Bilal traveled to Herat at the invitation of this Directorate and the Al-Haj Basamullah Khan Siddiqi Charity Foundation to participate in sports and cultural programs.
The ceremony was attended by sports officials, local authorities, numerous athletes, and ordinary citizens, reflecting the athlete’s popularity and special standing within the sporting community of Herat.
Ali Bilal expressed his gratitude for the warm reception from the people of Herat, stating that their support and kindness are immensely valuable to him. He added that this enthusiastic welcome is a strong motivation to continue his sports career.
At the end of the event, the head of the Directorate of Physical Education and Sports in Herat, following Afghan tradition, presented Ali Bilal with a special traditional cloak and belt as a symbol of appreciation.
