Muhammad Ali: my childhood memories
There are few childhood memories that are alive and vibrant in my mind relating to the just departed legend Muhammad Ali. What memories would a young Persian girl growing up in the Arabian Peninsula in the 60s have from a boxer fighting his way to glory in the US?
Only good memories! It is interesting that during those days there were few TV sets in that part of the world, so most of the time neighbours would gather in the house of one who owned a TV and everyone watched the matches together.
Young fans of Ali
I was such a fan of Muhammad Ali, that every time he had a match, the next day I made sure I discussed it with my friends at school, and somehow I was surprised that they too knew all the details too.
It seems we were not the only fans.
Also, the fact that Muhammad Ali converted to Islam made him quite popular among Muslims, and though he no longer liked to be called Clay, he was known as Muhammad Ali Clay. I rarely heard people call him otherwise.
More interesting was that my father, who, bless his soul, was a very peace-loving and gentleman, who disliked rough sports such as boxing and wrestling, and discouraged us from watching them, did not mind when it was a match that Muhammad Ali participated in.
My dad said he did not just represent a fighter, he was phenomenal, a charismatic character who became an idol for some and a beacon of hope for others, even if he was not conventionally earning his living.
He brought unity
While people were divided when it came to supporting football teams and other sports, there were no divisions cheering Ali in front of any other opponent.
Whatever it was, and in whichever way Muhammad Ali influenced or touched people’s lives, the legend is now gone. Parkinson’s disease won the fight this time round vis a vis ‘ the greatest’ and knocked him out.
It is interesting that of all ailments, he would get one that attacked his two main points of strength, his muscles, and his power of speech.
This also goes a long way to remind us, how venerable we human beings are. Sometimes we can even succumb to the bite of one mosquito, but will we ever truly reflect on that?
Now it is a fact that the champion’s funeral was a public one, unlike many other celebrities that families decide to hold private funeral ceremonies.
Here it was for all to follow through social media. He was a man of people and it is the best way to celebrate his life and bid him a befitting farewell.
Rest in peace Mohammad Ali.