Shukrullah Helmandi and Zemarai Zaland are modern-day heroes.
They are physically fit, as traditional heroes often are, but instead of enemies, they have rivals. By beating their rivals without touching them, they bring pride to their home country. At the same time, they spread word around the world about great Afghan athletes.
Mr Helmandi and Mr Zaland are bodybuilders. Their biceps are bigger than normal men’s thighs, their abs look like washboards and their legs are like tree trunks. Recently, these two human sculptures returned to their home province Helmand as champions from the South Asian Bodybuilding Championships in
At a celebration ceremony at the Karzai Football Stadium, Lashkar Gah, Mr Helmandi and Mr Zaland said that, they hope their success will inspire Afghan youth to take up the sport and to lead a drug-free, healthy life.
“I started this sport to be healthy, have a good body and to be a champion,” Mr Helmandi said.
Success takes time. Mr Helmandi, who is also the latest Mr
“My success is an indication that Afghan youth are capable and strong.”
Mr Zaland said that his gold medal is not just for him, it is for the whole country.
“Now, the world knows that Afghans can win medals in sport although we don’t have very modern equipment.”
Both athletes firmly believe that Afghan youth need to pursue a healthy lifestyle and to stay away from drugs. Hashish and other drugs are the enemy, they said.
“Life is more beautiful when we have a good health and strong body,” Mr Zaland added. “All things are possible with hard work.”
