Jonathan Saruk Photography

Images: Mr. Afghanistan

A competitor in the annual Mr. Afghanistan body building competition prepares for judging by lifting weights June 2, 2009 in Kabul, Afghanistan. The competition, which takes place at an old cinema in the Shahr-e Naw section of Kabul, is the culmination of all body building events around the country and has a loyal all-male following.
  
Competitors in the annual Mr. Afghanistan body building competition wait backstage June 2, 2009 in Kabul, Afghanistan. The competition, which takes place at an old cinema in the Shahr-e Naw section of Kabul, is the culmination of all body building events around the country and has a loyal all-male following.
  
Competitors in the annual Mr. Afghanistan body building competition flex on stage for the judges June 2, 2009 in Kabul, Afghanistan. The competition, which takes place at an old cinema in the Shahr-e Naw section of Kabul, is the culmination of all body building events around the country and has a loyal all-male following.
     
  
A competitor in the annual Mr. Afghanistan body building competition prepares by having his body covered with tanning lotion June 2, 2009 in Kabul, Afghanistan. The competition, which takes place at an old cinema in the Shahr-e Naw section of Kabul, is the culmination of all body building events around the country and has a loyal all-male following.
  
A dwarf competitor in the annual Mr. Afghanistan body building competition backstage after winning the handicapped segment June 2, 2009 in Kabul, Afghanistan. The competition, which takes place at an old cinema in the Shahr-e Naw section of Kabul, is the culmination of all body building events around the country and has a loyal all-male following.
  
The audience at the annual Mr. Afghanistan body building competition cheers for contestants as they are judged on stage June 2, 2009 in Kabul, Afghanistan. The competition, which takes place at an old cinema in the Shahr-e Naw section of Kabul, is the culmination of all body building events around the country and has a loyal all-male following.
     
  
A competitor in the annual Mr. Afghanistan body building competition comes backstage after winning an event June 2, 2009 in Kabul, Afghanistan. The competition, which takes place at an old cinema in the Shahr-e Naw section of Kabul, is the culmination of all body building events around the country and has a loyal all-male following.
  
Confetti lies on the stage at the annual Mr. Afghanistan body building June 2, 2009 in Kabul, Afghanistan. The competition, which takes place at an old cinema in the Shahr-e Naw section of Kabul, is the culmination of all body building events around the country and has a loyal all-male following.
  
A competitor in the annual Mr. Afghanistan body building competition prepares by having his body covered with tanning lotion and oiled June 2, 2009 in Kabul, Afghanistan. The competition, which takes place at an old cinema in the Shahr-e Naw section of Kabul, is the culmination of all body building events around the country and has a loyal all-male following.
     
  
A competitor in the annual Mr. Afghanistan body building competition prepares for an event June 2, 2009 in Kabul, Afghanistan. The competition, which takes place at an old cinema in the Shahr-e Naw section of Kabul, is the culmination of all body building events around the country and has a loyal all-male following.
  
A competitor in the annual Mr. Afghanistan body building competition prepares for judging by doing push-ups June 2, 2009 in Kabul, Afghanistan. The competition, which takes place at an old cinema in the Shahr-e Naw section of Kabul, is the culmination of all body building events around the country and has a loyal all-male following.
  
Competitors in the annual Mr. Afghanistan body building competition flex on stage for the judges June 2, 2009 in Kabul, Afghanistan. The competition, which takes place at an old cinema in the Shahr-e Naw section of Kabul, is the culmination of all body building events around the country and has a loyal all-male following.
     
  
A competitor in the annual Mr. Afghanistan body building competition prepares for judging by lifting weights June 2, 2009 in Kabul, Afghanistan. The competition, which takes place at an old cinema in the Shahr-e Naw section of Kabul, is the culmination of all body building events around the country and has a loyal all-male following.
  
Shuqrullah Shakili is crowned Mr. Afghanistan at a body building competition June 2, 2009 in Kabul, Afghanistan. Shakili, from Helmand province, wins the title 'Mr. Afghanistan' and is awarded a trophy, a track suit and $6,000 US dollars. The competition, which takes place at an old cinema in the Shahr-e Naw section of Kabul, is the culmination of all body building events around the country and has a loyal all-male following.
  
A competitor in the annual Mr. Afghanistan body building competition goes on stage to be judged June 2, 2009 in Kabul, Afghanistan. The competition, which takes place at an old cinema in the Shahr-e Naw section of Kabul, is the culmination of all body building events around the country and has a loyal all-male following.