A young Afghan man bearing a striking resemblance to kung fu legend Bruce Lee is high-kicking his way to internet fame, aiming to show another side to his war-weary nation.
From the ruins of a bombed-out palace above Kabul, a young Afghan man bearing a striking resemblance to kung fu legend Bruce Lee is high-kicking his way to internet fame, aiming to show another side to his war-weary nation. image credit
Alizada is from a poor family of 10 children. His parents could not afford the fees at an academy for the Chinese mixed martial art of wushu, but the trainer took him under his wing.
Alizada is from a poor family of 10 children. His parents could not afford the fees at an academy for the Chinese mixed martial art of wushu, but the trainer took him under his wing.
He rejects the name Bruce Hazara given to him by friends in recognition of his ethnic heritage, saying he prefers to be known as the Afghan Bruce Lee in a country riven by tribal divides.
Alizada’s recent success on the internet and at a martial arts tournament in Kabul reflects some of the changes in the country since the US-led intervention toppled the Taliban after the September 11, 2001 attacks.
Helped by the spread of TV and the internet, Afghanistan has witnessed a rapid rise in interest in sports under the government that succeeded the hardline Islamists, who had banned television and many sports and martial arts.
“The only news that comes from Afghanistan is about war ... I am happy that my story is a positive one,” Alizada said.source: Reuters in Kabul scmp.com
