Ahmad Majeed, widely known by his nickname Ahmad Rambo, stands as a towering figure in the world of bodybuilding in Iraqi Kurdistan. Born in 1973 in Erbil, Rambo came of age during a period of profound upheaval in the region. As political conflict shaped the landscape around him, he sought strength and purpose through physical training, ultimately becoming a pioneer of the sport in Kurdish society.
Rambo began weightlifting in 1988, at a time when bodybuilding was still largely unfamiliar and misunderstood in Kurdistan. The sport was often dismissed as a Western import, facing skepticism from traditional segments of society. Despite this, Rambo committed himself to rigorous training and quickly distinguished himself in local competitions. By 1990, he had achieved national recognition by winning a gold medal in the Iraqi Bodybuilding Championships in the 75-kilogram category.
The nickname “Rambo” was earned due to his resemblance to the action movie character played by Sylvester Stallone, and it soon became a household name in Kurdish fitness circles. His signature bandana and defined physique became symbols of a new kind of strength—one rooted not in conflict but in discipline and self-mastery.
In 1995, during the Kurdish civil war, Rambo left the region and continued his athletic journey in Germany. There, he competed successfully on the European circuit and gained valuable international experience. His return to Iraqi Kurdistan in 2004 marked the beginning of a new chapter, both for himself and for the region’s burgeoning fitness culture.
In 2009, Rambo reached a significant milestone in his career by winning a silver medal at the Asian Bodybuilding Championships in Thailand. This achievement helped cement his reputation as one of the premier bodybuilders in the region. His success on the continental stage elevated the profile of Kurdish bodybuilding, showcasing the talent emerging from Kurdistan.
Following this success, Rambo’s influence in bodybuilding continued to grow, and he was soon elected as President of WABBA Asia. In this role, Rambo worked to further professionalize the sport in the region, advocating for better training standards, developing a more robust bodybuilding infrastructure, and fostering international competition opportunities for Kurdish athletes.
Beyond his athletic career, Ahmad Rambo has also made a significant impact in Kurdish cinema. In 2016, he wrote, produced, and acted in Behind the Clouds: Salute to Peshmerga, a film that depicts the heroic efforts of Kurdish Peshmerga fighters during the war against the former Iraqi regime. The film, which gained international attention, also showcased Rambo’s versatility and his desire to use film as a medium to tell Kurdish stories of resilience and strength.
Today, Ahmad Rambo is recognized not only for his athletic achievements but also for his cultural influence. His legacy is one of perseverance, transformation, and the power of sport and media to shape identity and inspire future generations. Rambo’s journey—from a young bodybuilder in Kurdistan to a revered figure in both the fitness world and Kurdish cinema—continues to inspire young Kurds to pursue their passions with dedication and pride.
