Antonio Inoki, (アントニオ猪木) (born Kanji Inoki (猪木寛至 Inoki Kanji) on February 20, 1943) is a Japanese professional wrestling promoter and a retired professional wrestler and mixed martial artist who now resides between New York City and Tokyo.
He was also the founder and former owner of New Japan Pro Wrestling before selling it.
Inoki converted to Islam in 1990s, he is visiting Pakistan these days with a team of wrestlers and the matches are being watched by crowds and a lot of anticipation can be seen in NWFP. His team will be having exhibition matches with local wrestlers. He wants to start a wrestling academy in Lahore.
Inoki wrestled with Pakistani wrestlers such as Akram and Jhara in 1970s....and has been one of the most loved sportsmenin Pakistan particularly in 1970s.
This visit to Pakistan is to promote peace and also the 60 years of sporting ties between Japan and Pakistan. In 1970s he was a phenomenon in Pakistan while playing matches with Akram Pehlawan and Jhara Pehlwawan of the Gama Clan - a traditional and once most celebrated family of Pehlawans. His visit has brought back many beautiful memories of Pakistan of the 70s. Inoki said he had also come to pay his respects at the graves of Gama and Akram.
One of Inoki's most memorable fight was with Mohammad Ali Clay - due to which Ali got severe injuries.Inoki bout with wrestlers, boxers and martial arts players from around the world in exhibition matches. Sme of his famous fights were in Pyeongyang, Tokyo and New York.
For more on his contribution in sports and peace read here.
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