Strongman ‘Kabonga’ shatters previous train-pulling record while fasting
Egyptian wrestler Ashraf Mahrous, known as Kabonga, pulls a passenger train by 10 metres to enter the Guinness Book of World Records at Ramses station in Cairo, Egypt on March 13, 2025. (AA Photo)
An Egyptian athlete known as “Kabonga” has set a new world record after pulling a 279-ton train nearly 10 meters at Cairo’s central Ramses Station during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Ashraf Mahrous, popularly known by his nickname Kabonga, completed the remarkable feat on Thursday while fasting, according to Egyptian sports media. The achievement, which surpassed his previous record of pulling a 221-ton train, was witnessed by dozens of spectators and officials from the Guinness World Records.
“I pulled a train weighing 279 tons with my shoulders, while fasting, for a distance of 10 meters and 66 centimeters,” Kabonga told Anadolu news agency on Friday, noting that he successfully defended the title he established two years ago.
The impressive demonstration spanned two days. “On the first day, I was able to pull a two-ton cart, while fasting, for a distance of 107 meters in 37 seconds,” Kabonga said.
This achievement broke another record by exceeding the previous benchmark of pulling a one-ton cart for 100 meters in under 60 seconds.
Kabonga, who has built a reputation in freestyle wrestling circles for his athletic physique, has become famous in Egypt for his extraordinary feats of strength, particularly his ability to pull massive vehicles like cars and trains.
The record-breaking performance at Ramses Station drew significant attention as it occurred during Ramadan, when Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn until sunset.
