Afghanistan in deep mourning for bodybuilding hero Ali Reza Asahi, 49

© Amu TV
© Amu TV

Kabul, Afghanistan, January 24, 2025: Afghanistan is mourning the loss of one of its biggest sports stars – two-time world bodybuilding champion Ali Reza Asahi. He was 49.

 

The National Bodybuilding Federation confirmed Asahi’s death in a statement on Thursday, January 23, adding that his funeral was scheduled for Friday in the Omid Sabz township in Kabul, Amu TV reports.

 

A celebrated figure in the sport, Asahi won back-to-back gold medals in 2023 and 2024 in the global bodybuilding championships, competing in the Masters category.

 

His victories brought pride to Afghanistan’s sports community and elevated his status as a national icon in bodybuilding.

 

Asahi’s death marks a significant loss for the Afghan athletic world, where his achievements served as a beacon of perseverance and dedication amid challenging circumstances.

 

The Vice President of Afghanistan National Olympic Committee, Robina Jalali, posted a tribute on social media.

 

“With great sadness and impact, we received the news of the death of Ali Reza Asahi, the proud champion on two occasions in the field of bodybuilding and one of the most prominent athletes of Afghanistan,” Robina Jalali wrote.

 

“This great loss has plunged not only the sporting community of Afghanistan but all fans of the sport worldwide into deep mourning.

 

“By publishing the sad news, the Bodybuilding Federation has refused to provide any explanation about the cause of this hero's death, but it is said that a heart attack was the cause of the sad event.

 

“The memory of this honorable legend will always remain in the hearts of Afghanistan. We send our condolences to the family, friends, the sports community and the dear people of my country for this great tragedy and we ask for eternal peace for the deceased's soul and patience for the survivors.”

 

Afghanistan’s IOC Member Samira Asghari added: “The news of the early death of the champion of bodybuilding, a symbol of patience and hard work in sports, Mr. Ali Reza Asahi, has saddened the hearts of the entire sporting community of the country.

 

“First of all, I express my condolences to his respected family, to his sports friends and all the people of Afghanistan.”