TEHARN - The Iranian and world bodybuilding champion has withdrawn from the 2026 Mr. Olympia competition.
“With only 30 days left until the start of the world’s largest and most prestigious bodybuilding festival in Las Vegas, USA, Hadi Choupan, the Iranian bodybuilding champion, has officially withdrawn from the 2026 Mr. Olympia competition by issuing a surprising statement, IRNA news on Wednesday.
The text of Choupan’s 
message reads:
Choopan cited the current political situation and travel restrictions as major factors behind the decision. He also explained that the stress and uncertainty surrounding his travel and U.S. visa situation would prevent him from preparing for the Olympia at the level required.
As a result, Choopan has decided to withdraw from the 2026 Mr. Olympia.
This will mark Choopan’s first absence from the Mr. Olympia since his debut in 2019, ending a remarkable run of seven consecutive appearances on the sport’s biggest stage.
I was not allowed to board the plane. I was informed that my 10-year UAE Golden Visa had been deactivated. I immediately decided to go to Tehran and try again from there, but unfortunately I got the same answer. So, I will not be on the Mr. Olympia podium this year.