A total of 110 athletes have secured places on Afghanistan’s national bodybuilding and fitness teams following the 19th National Selection Championships in Kabul. Gul Jan was crowned Mr. Afghanistan after emerging as the overall bodybuilding champion.
Kabul | By Taieb Khatizwal
Afghanistan has selected 110 athletes for its national bodybuilding and fitness teams following the conclusion of the 19th National Bodybuilding and Fitness Selection Championships in Kabul.
Organized by the Afghanistan National Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation in coordination with the General Directorate of Physical Education and Sports, the championships brought together 209 athletes from 21 provinces at the country’s 500-seat Gymnasium.
Competitors contested events in bodybuilding and fitness across weight categories ranging from 55kg to over 95kg, as well as height divisions from 165cm to over 185cm.
At the end of the competition, 60 athletes earned places on the national fitness team, while 50 athletes were selected for the national bodybuilding team, completing the 110-member national squad.
Bodybuilder Gul Jan was named Mr. Afghanistan, the highest individual honor awarded at the championships.
Addressing the closing ceremony, Mawlawi Ahmadullah Wasiq, Director General of the General Directorate of Physical Education and Sports, congratulated the selected athletes and Gul Jan, describing their achievements as the result of dedication and sustained effort.
He expressed hope that the newly selected athletes would represent Afghanistan successfully at international competitions and bring further honors to the country.
The closing ceremony was attended by Mawlawi Ahmadullah Wasiq, Deputy Director for Technical and Professional Affairs Hafiz Ahmad Jan Zadran, First Vice President of the National Olympic Committee and President of the Afghanistan National Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation Bawar Hotak, along with sports officials, federation representatives, athletes and supporters.
The event concluded with the presentation of trophies, medals, and certificates to the top performers, with Gul Jan receiving the Mr. Afghanistan title.
The National Bodybuilding and Fitness Selection Championships serve as Afghanistan’s official qualification event for the national teams. Athletes selected through the annual championships become eligible to represent the country at regional and international bodybuilding and fitness competitions.