WEB DESK: Afghan athlete Roya Karimi has achieved a historic victory by winning first place at the 2025 European Bodybuilding Championship. Her achievement is not only a personal milestone but also a powerful symbol of Afghan women overcoming deep-rooted social and cultural limitations.
In a message shared on social media, she wrote, “Competing in the European Championship as an Afghan woman is not just about personal success; it’s about breaking barriers—both in sports and in life. We all deserve the right to dream, to push boundaries, and to be heard.”
Having migrated from Kabul to Norway in 2011, Karimi balanced her studies in nursing with her passion for fitness. Bodybuilding, a sport often viewed with skepticism in her community, became her platform to demonstrate strength and determination against societal expectations.
She trains professionally alongside her supportive husband, Kamal, who has been a key part of her journey.
Following her championship win, social media reactions were diverse. Many praised her achievement, while some critics questioned the appropriateness of sharing her photos, citing concerns about Afghan cultural norms.
Addressing these criticisms during a live Instagram session, Karimi stated:
“I refuse to apologize for my choices. For an Afghan woman, simply existing and having a voice in society is a revolutionary act—especially under a government that seeks to silence us.”
She called on her fellow Afghans to look beyond traditional patriarchal views and to recognize women’s rights to freedom, expression, and self-determination.
Roya soon to be participate in World Championship, which will held between November 27 and December 1 2025.
