Afghan Bodybuilder Ali Bilal Responds to Taliban Support Accusations

Ali Bilal, an Afghan bodybuilder, has responded to accusations of supporting the Taliban administration following his recent trip to Afghanistan. In a video posted on his Instagram account, Bilal stated that speaking Pashto does not imply allegiance to the Taliban regime.

Bilal, a three-time consecutive runner-up in the men’s Physique Mr. Olympia competition, claimed that several individuals had emailed the Olympia organizers accusing him of Taliban affiliation. He added that many had done the same the previous year.

He emphasized that he will not discuss political issues and that his goal is to win more medals representing Afghanistan. Bilal also mentioned that this year he could win a medal representing Belgium.

Addressing the Taliban’s restrictions on women and girls, Bilal noted that his mother and sisters live in Afghanistan and face these hardships.

Recognized as Afghanistan’s most decorated bodybuilder, Bilal has traveled to Afghanistan twice during the Taliban administration, trips that were met with a positive reception from the Taliban authorities.