Kurdish bodybuilder thanks his homeland after win in Austria

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Kurdish bodybuilder Abdulqadir Salih has secured top places in recent bodybuilding competitions in Austria, owing his success to the people of Sari Kani (Ras al-Ain), dedication, and a good routine.

He took second place in the 90-kilogram division for bodybuilding on Sunday at the National Physique Committee (NPC) Worldwide’s Austria championship. The NPC is the premier amateur physique organization in the world.

Then, the Kurd ranked first in The Austrian Oak Regional & Pro Qualifier in Sankt Polten, qualifying him for further advancement in the world of professional bodybuilding.

“I gift my success to the people of Sari Kani and the mothers of martyrs,” Salih told Rudaw's Dilbixwin Dara, referring to his home city in northeastern Syria (Rojava)

He attributed his progress with his physique to following a dedicated program, having several meals a day, and keeping track of his nutritional intake, especially protein. 

Salih, who has been bodybuilding since 2002, mentioned that he had previously secured podium finishes three times in Syria and four times in Ukraine.

“When I succeeded in Ukraine… I wanted the Kurdish people to be happy with my happiness and success because when we succeed today, all of our people rejoice,” Salih added.