Tokyo-based bodybuilder organizes sports festival in Kabul

Friend of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Tokyo, Mr. Evgeny Latypov, successfully organized his “Sports Festival” in Kabul earlier this month. The festival featured multiple activities, including bodybuilding, soccer, and chess.

Building on the success of this first annual event, Mr. Latypov met with Olympic Committee President General Mohammad Zahir Aghbar who, through his esteemed office, approved the festival series as an official, Olympic Committee-recognized event. Latypov, who serves as the World Fitness Federation (WFF) and World Body Building Federation (WBBF) Vice President for Asia and President for Japan, was also bestowed with an award of honor from General Aghbar for “supporting peace and development through sport in Afghanistan,” according to the WFF-WBBF.

Next year Latypov and his supporters intend to hold the event again and to add a women’s division.

Mr. Latypov and General Aghbar also announced the intention of fielding an Afghan team at the 2012 WFF-WBBF Open Europe Championship in Bobruisk, to be held May 23 to 25.