Sir — This refers to the editorial, “Getting used to Greatest” (June 6). Muhammad Ali was a former heavyweight champion whose boxing feats, showmanship and political activism made him one of the best-known figures of the 20th century.
The one-time Christian Baptist became the most famous convert to Islam in American history when he announced he had joined the Black Muslim movement, shortly after he first became champion. He eventually rejected his ‘white name’ Cassius Clay, and became Muhammad Ali.
He was an American of African origin from a remote land far away from India. His dogged spirit in fighting white domination, by making a mark in a sport known for aggression, symbolised a spirit that rubbed off on India — in its own special way.