Furthering diplomatic ties: Japanese wrestler Inoki arrives in Pakistan

Inoki says he will visit the graves of former Pakistani opponents and pay his respects.

ISLAMABAD: Antonio Inoki, a former Japanese professional wrestler, arrived in Pakistan on late on Friday to participate in an international wrestling competition, Express News reported.

Talking to reporters at the Benazir International airport in Islamabad upon his arrival, Inoki said that he was visiting Pakistan as part of the 60-year celebrations of diplomatic ties between Pakistan and Japan.

Expess News added that during the brief press talk, the Japanese wrestler revealed that he had accepted Islam and that his Muslim name was “Muhamamd Hussain”.

Inoki, who has previously visited Pakistan to take on late wrestler Akram, reminisced that the Japanese wrestler had managed to break the Pakistani challenger’s arm. Inoki said that he would visit the graves of late wrestlers Gama and Akram and pay his respects.

The Japanese wrestler has also brought a two-tonne wrestling ring with him and will be training some young wrestlers.

Before the press conference ended though, the veteran wrestler wound back his right arm and then gave air a powerful right-hook as he shouted "Pakistan zindabad".