Posted on 08/14/2005 10:58:18 PM PDT by F14 Pilot
Khosraw Basheri feverishly pumped iron for years, toning his body so it rippled with muscle and veins. His hard work paid off when he claimed a historic title in his war-battered country -- Mr. Afghanistan.
The 23-year-old businessman from western Herat province flexed and grinned his way to victory Saturday in Afghanistan's first-ever national competition to select a top bodybuilder.
"I will never forget this day, the day I became Mr. Afghanistan," said Basheri, sweat and makeup streaming down his massive frame. "This has been my hope for the past two years, since I started preparing myself for this."
At 96 kilograms (212 pounds), Basheri was among the heaviest contenders in the event, which featured nine weight classes and was held at a dilapidated movie theater in the Afghan capital, Kabul.
Forty-eight competitors from across the country struck poses onstage, twisting their oiled torsos to display swelling back and abdominal muscles or extending legs to show off sinewy calves. Some winced, others forced smiles.
More than 200 spectators -- some wearing turbans, others three-piece suits -- crammed into the theater to watch the bodybuilders, who qualified for the event by winning contests in their home provinces and represent the sport's national appeal.
"The most popular sport after football (soccer) in Afghanistan is bodybuilding," said Sayed Mohammed Payanda, secretary general of Afghanistan's National Bodybuilding Federation. "Most people in Afghanistan, especially young people, like bodybuilding very much."
(Excerpt) Read more at cnn.com ...
"He looks like my uncle Oscar..."
Not bad, but the Iron Shiek could STILL kick his a-s!
Ew.
BWAHHAA!
THe article didn't mention that the body builder got his roids from Palmero.
Oh, that Iron Sheik. Him and his crazy hijinx!
IRAN #1! RUSSIA #1! USA HOCK PHLEMM!
Also forgot to mention that picking poppie plants will also get you that ripped
Admit it Alex, you are Nikolai Volkoff.
good for u
A new type of space alien? The Golds perhaps. Especially those over developed thighs. Yuk!
Remember Chris Markoff?
He doesn't look like he's on steroids to me. Shoulders are tough to get to where his are, but it's very possible without steroids.
Da, I cannot tell a lie. I CRUSH YOU AMERICAN SWINE! ARRR!
Hogan, I have you now! But this time, I shall best you, and grind your face mercilessly into this mop of steel wool my wife generously calls chest hair. GRRR! For the motherland!
Oh no! Is Ultimate Warrior! *beats chest* No matter, I shall crush you both...
Looks like a honey-glazed gingerbread man if you ask me. Hope it's not permanent.
Obligatory Miss Afghanistan photo from a few years back.
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