Botswana’s strongest man has done it again. Maun based powerhouse Ahmad Aboulela proved why he remains the undisputed king of strength sports in the country, defending his Northern Powerlifting Championships extra super heavyweight title for the eighth consecutive year.
Aboulela, weighing in at 116.6kg, outmuscled his closest rival, Roy Ramaphane of Vionic Club, scoring 7.17 to 6.573 despite Ramaphane’s heavier frame of 117.3kg. Aboulela showcased unmatched strength and focus, completing lifts that left spectators in awe.
“It was perfect. Everything went according to my plan,” Aboulela said in an interview after the event. “This year wasn’t easy because I had a few injuries, but I prepared very hard and made sure I came back stronger.”
The veteran lifter’s performance follows a series of strong showings across the continent. Just weeks earlier, he claimed the title at the Africa stremgest man 2023 competition, and in August, he secured a third-place finish in the Botswana Strongest Man competitions, despite not being fully recovered from injury. His consistency and discipline have cemented his place as one of Botswana’s most decorated strength athletes.
“I’ve represented Botswana in more than 15 international competitions,” Aboulela said proudly. “I was Africa’s Strongest Man in 2023, competing under Botswana’s name. What I want now is to see more of our athletes take the sport beyond our borders. We have the talent we just need commitment and heart.”
Aboulela’s message to his fellow athletes was one of unity and ambition. He emphasized the importance of teamwork and development in building Botswana’s reputation in the global powerlifting and strongman scene.
“We have very good athletes around,” he said. “I don’t want to keep winning alone. We must go together, take the sport to the world stage, and bring titles back home.”
The event also celebrated the strength and determination of female competitors, with 20 women battling it out across three categories. Koziba Kerstead of 2 Brigade Powerlifting Club claimed the women’s heavyweight title, while Dinah Tapologo of Vionic Club emerged as the overall best female lifter. Mike Puleng of Selebi-Phikwe Powerlifting Club took home the men’s overall title.
Looking ahead, Aboulela said preparations are already underway for the next international contests, including the Arnold Classic next year and the World’s Strongest Man qualifiers later in the year.
“I’m ready for anyone who has the heart and commitment to join me,” he said. “If we work together, Botswana can dominate on the world stage.”
