The Hindu : New Delhi News : Commemorating a legend

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Sep 07, 2007
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New Delhi

New Delhi

Commemorating a legend

He may have stopped stinging like a bee in the ring, but former world heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali still remains a charismatic figure, loved and revered across the world. Remembering this extraordinary legend will be Discovery Channel’s special programme “The Complete Ali” this Sunday.

The programme is a journey into the life of this talented boxer, the conscientious objector and the hero bravely confronting Parkinson’s disease. It also bears witness to his life through the eyes of people who were closest to him, whose lives were touched by him, and who, in turn, were inspired to take bold action of their own.

The programme will not only take a comprehensive look at Ali’s life and his accomplishments as a boxer, but also explore his influence beyond the ropes of the boxing ring. It will show how as a sportsperson he made a world of difference to the lives of so many people across the globe.

It will show how the greatest boxer brought unprecedented speed and growth to the sport.

When Ali stepped into the professional boxing ring in 1960, he changed the sport forever. The programme will show all those closely associated with the ex-champion speaking about him. Ali’s daughter and co-author of “Soul of a Butterfly,” Hana Ali, continues to be inspired by her father’s faith, his generosity of spirit and his genuine love of people. From his seat in the State Legislature, Reginald Meeks speaks of Ali’s magical effect on blacks in the 1960s and how Ali gave him the courage to speak out against the Vietnam War and register as a conscientious objector.

Young, brash basketball star Etan Thomas credits Ali as his inspiration. The greatest marathon runner John Ball, a Parkinson’s patient himself, understands Ali’s fight and cites Ali as his inspiration.

Madhur Tanka

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