Ali Bilal impressed everyone by adding another milestone to his growing career after securing second place at the Petersburg Pro 2026. Winning the silver, he now has a plan in mind about his next step.

During a backstage interview on May 16 with Beyond the Stage TV ahead of the competition, Bilal made it clear that his goals extend beyond his achievements and trophies.

"So, yeah, I'm doing it for my people, man," he said. "I'm not doing it for any status or to become a goat or a cow, you know, I'm just doing it for my people. That's the only goal I have."

He emphasized that rather than chasing personal status, his only focus lies on representing his people. Bilal's upcoming plans include an extensive post-show tour across Asia, with stops in countries such as China, India, and finally his homeland, Afghanistan.

Thanks to his elite conditioning and charisma, Bilal has quickly risen in the ranks of Men’s Physique. The Afghan contender says he aims to inspire the next generation of athletes from Afghanistan and across Asia.

In the interview, he even stated that the fitness culture in Afghanistan has grown drastically since his rise in the bodybuilding world. He noted that there are more gyms and aspiring bodybuilders throughout the country.

While Bilal stood second, American athlete Kyron Holden claimed the title in an intense and competitive contest. And although he was the runner-up in this competition, the New York Pro saw a much different result.

At the 2026 New York Pro, Bilal secured the top spot, defeating Brazilian bodybuilder Edvan Palmeira in a closely contested showdown on May 8.

With two medals at prestigious competitions that have built his confidence even more, Bilal's only focus now is to secure the top spot at the 2026 Mr. Olympia by defeating the reigning champion Ryan Terry. But does he have the build for it? A veteran bodybuilder has doubts.

Jeremy Buendia’s Comments on Ali Bilal’s Physique

Back in February, Men's Physique veteran Jeremy Buendia gave an honest critique of Ali Bilal's physique, citing a few reasons why he wasn’t a “big fan.”

“Ali Bilal, I mean, he’s right there," he said. "Personally, I have nothing against him, but from my personal opinion, I’m not the biggest fan of his physique. I think he’s a little blocky, he has shorter limbs. I don’t think of him as the standard of what Men’s Physique really is.”

Although not fully impressed by his physique at the 2025 Mr. Olympia, Buendia did praise Bilal’s on-stage charisma, dancing, and ab separation.

Bilal has been the runner-up at the 2024 and 2025 Mr. Olympia competitions in the Men’s Physique category. After winning two medals this month, he now carries momentum into his preparation for the 2026 Mr. Olympia, set for September 24–27.

Share your thoughts on Bilal's mindset after his latest win.

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Written by

Ruwa Javed

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar