Mustafa Ali represents Pakistan

He has already hit the headlines as a wrestler with his performances in various US circuits

Pakistan athletes competing in various contact sports continue to dazzle as after the success of boxer Mohammad Waseem, MMA exponents Bashir Ahmed, Ahmed Wolverine Mujtaba besides a host of budding stars, Mustafa Ali is set to enter the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) competition.

Mustafa has already hit the headlines as a wrestler with his performances in various US circuits including a long stint in Chicago. Mustafa quit the city’s independent circuit to venture into the more lucrative and world renowned WWE league which is the biggest stage for sporting entertainment around the world. WWE has a massive following in Pakistan also. Mustafa is the first Pakistani recruit in the industry and has the chance of creating a niche for not only his own self but to become a role model for more wrestlers who want to emulate his example and make a career out of the sport.

In his first few media exchanges Mustafa has tried his best to project a soft image of Muslims and Pakistanis interspersed with humorous quotes to develop a wide ranging fan base. He’s keen on making people follow his talent, skill and act rather than label him because of his religion or Pakistani allegiance.

Mustafa can surely break new grounds for wrestlers from the South Asian region. The Great Khali, an Indian wrestler carried a unique demeanour which gave him immense popularity in the sport, turning him into a superstar with global recognition.

Like Khali, the Pakistani can tap into a hitherto unexplored fan base. As mentioned earlier, Pakistanis have a taste for WWE and the presence of Mustafa can drag new followers of the sport especially since the country is slowly but surely beginning to explore the potential of sporting stars outside the most popular passion of the country, cricket.

We wish Mustafa the very best and hope that he truly puts Pakistan on the map of WWE and become a beacon of hope for the ones ready to emulate his example.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 16^th, 2016.

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