AT-KABUL: Former President Hamid Karzai expressed “deep” sadness over the death of Muhammad Ali, the champion of the heavyweight boxing, social activist, humanitarian and sport icon.
“With great regrets I knew that the heavyweight champion, Muhammad Ali Clay passed away,” Karzai was quoted in a statement issued by his office, as saying.
“Ali was a great boxing icon and left great achievements behind and placed huge place among his fans,” Karzai said.
“There would be few people who are not familiar with the name and gains of late Ali,” he added.
“At the beginning of my tenure as the president, Ali visited Afghanistan during the holy month of Ramadan and I hosted him at a breakfasting.”
The former president added that he found Ali kind and a person of dignity.
“His name would be lasting among athletes and sports fans, but his death is a great loss,” he said.
“He is not among us today, I pray that may the Almighty Allah grant him paradise, and patience to his family over his loss.”