• Legendary Japanese wrestler Inoki passed away aged 79
• PM recollected his memory of meeting the wrestler in Lahore
• Inoki had a deep attachment to Pakistan and its people

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed his grief over the death of former world-renowned Japanese wrestler Antonio Inoki.

On his Twitter handle, the prime minister recollected his memory of a meeting with the late wrestler in Lahore some ten years back. The prime minister also shared a photograph of the event.

Expressing his condolences with the bereaved family and the Japanese people, the prime minister observed that Inoki had mesmerized the whole generation of his time with his unique wrestling skills.

Sad to learn about the passing of legendary Japanese wrestler Antonio Inoki. I have a vivid memory of meeting him at a stadium in Lahore 10 years ago. He mesmerized a whole generation with his rare wrestling prowess. My condolences are with his family & Japanese people. pic.twitter.com/Drrzz2ZhfI

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) October 1, 2022

Antonio Inoki, whose real name was Kanji Inoki, was a world-renowned professional wrestler who rose to prominence when he took on world boxing champion Muhammad Ali in 1976 billed as “the bout of the century”.

He died of heart failure on Saturday after years of battling a rare disease. He was aged 79.

Inoki, was also a pioneer in mixed martial arts, battling with the top wrestlers and champions from other combat sports such as judo and karate, before he entered the international spotlight.

Inoki was inducted into the World Wrestling Entertainment Hall of Fame in 2010 in recognition of his role in promoting wrestling in Japan and around the world.

Inoki had a deep attachment to Pakistan and its people. He gained popularity in Pakistan after losing to Pakistani wrestler Jharra in 1979.  After Jharra’s death, Inoki supported the wrestler’s nephew and brought him up in Japan under his supervision.

The famed wrestler believed in peace between Pakistan and India and wished to go for a peace walk at the Wagah Border.

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