Afghan's Bruce Lee becomes an internet sensation

Abbas Alizada

A young Afghan man cannot go unnoticed in the war affected area of Kabul thanks to his close resemblance to kung fu maestro Bruce Lee. 20-year old Abbas Alizada gained attention after photos and videos of him impersonating Lee’s famous poses went viral on social networking sites. Alizada belongs to a poor family of 10 children. His family were not in a position to pay fees at a Wushu Academy, but the instructor agreed to train him.

“I want to be a champion in my country and a Hollywood star,” Alizada said at Kabul’s desolate Darulaman palace. Alizada trains twice a week, swirling nunchakus and sporting a Lee-like bowl haircut.

Darulaman palace was damaged by decades of fighting. “The destruction here makes me sad, but it also inspires me,” said Alizada. He prefers the name Afghan Bruce Lee instead of “Bruce Hazara” given by his friends.

Afghanistan witnesses insurgent attacks on a regular basis even as foreign troops make their way out of the nation. The country has seen growing interest in sports in the last few years and after the government overturned the ban on television.

“The only news that comes from Afghanistan is about war…I am happy that my story is a positive one,” Alizada concludes.

Here’s a video of Alizada flexing his muscles!