New Delhi (Sputnik) — The cause of the amusement was the ignorance about Ali's identity displayed by none other than the sports minister of Kerala — the most literate state of India. Minister E P Jayarajan said on a news channel, "Muhammad Ali was a great sportsperson from Kerala who won us a gold medal."
The video went viral on social media, prompting many to troll him throughout the day.
For Sports Minister Jayarajan, Muhammed Ali is Kerala sports man, social media has a field day trolling him https://t.co/ms64HBnPjk
— Narada news (@naradanews) June 4, 2016
#MuhammadAli has been given Kerala citizenship posthumously. By our Sports Minister, no less. Sigh! https://t.co/HzLkNMggm9
— manu prasad (@manuscrypts) June 4, 2016
Kerala sports minister EP Jayarajan dersevs a punch from boxing legend Muhammed Ali.
— sHajiD kAmMaDam (@Kammadam) June 4, 2016
Made in India label on #MuhammedAli https://t.co/rgcsD5ZBzB
— Subbu Sailappan (@ssailapp) June 4, 2016
#AnaditaPatel has met her match in Kerala sports minister who praised Mohammad Ali for winning medals for Kerala.
— SamSays (@samjawed65) June 4, 2016
This was not the first time an Indian has mistaken the legend's identity. Anadita Patel, a girl from Mumbai, hogged the limelight after she tweeted a tribute to Muhammad Ali, "the greatest footballer."
RIP #MohammedAli and RIP @anadita_patel 's GK and handle 😀 pic.twitter.com/rJbP3ko4Ox
— Sanghi (@ExSecular) June 4, 2016
This is the reason why people or legends CAN'T REST IN PEACE! #AnaditaPatel @Anadita_Patel pic.twitter.com/r9QtHGFpwB
— #KD (@SocioAddict) June 4, 2016
Meanwhile, these gaffes triggered heated debate on social media on how the Indian establishment is guilty of promoting only one sport — cricket. Many said that the ignorance that was brought to light by this episode was the result of the government’s apathy towards other sports.
Dnt blame #AnaditaPatel
— Himanshu Bajpai (@modelhimanshu90) June 4, 2016
Blame indian government who can not even promote 1 sport properly other than cricket.
Sad about hw people r reactng
What Anadita Patel did is not uncommon. Tried to say something cool, belong. But screwed up, being ridiculed mercilessly. Leave her alone
— Abhijit Majumder (@abhijitmajumder) June 4, 2016
