In a world plagued by terror and insecurity, with the demise of great Muhammad Ali the world lost such a legend who was an inspiration and a ray of hope for many around the world. Sports and game activities are widely regarded as anti-terror solution to do away with negativity, normalise tensions and calm down violent situations. And, Muhammad Ali performed his role numerous times to make the world safe and secured from violence.
Before the start of Cold War, when Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein had taken many hostages including 15 Americans during Kuwait invasion in 1990, Ali flew to Baghdad, Iraq to negotiate for the release of the Americans and met Saddam Hussein, which in a result brought freedom for all 15 Americans.
In July 21014 when the leaders of Iran had taken Washington Post journalist Jason Rezaian hostage, Ali urged the Iranians to free Rezaian in a statement he released to the National Press Club in which he wrote: “I am sorry that I cannot be physically present to lend my support in person but I pray my words will provide relief to the efforts to secure the release of Jason Rezaian......“Insha'Allah. It is my great hope that the government and judiciary of Iran will end the prolonged detention of journalist Jason Rezaian and provide him with access to all his legal options".
For Vietnam war, Ali refused induction into the military service and said there was nothing stopping him from continuing to box. His anti-war stance cost him his U.S. passport and very nearly his career. Two weeks after the news conference, he was banned from boxing and sentenced to prison. The WBA and the WBC stripped him of their titles, and the states refused to license him.
President Barack Obama, whose presidency itself is evidence of Ali's legacy, admits that "His fight outside the ring would cost him his title and his public standing. ..But Ali stood his ground. And his victory helped us get used to the America we recognize today."
By M. Wasim
mwasim.370@gmail.com
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