Manjit Thakur/ New Delhi
Watching the colourful opening ceremony of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 in Doha on Sunday night could leave many who watched it on their television sets wondering who was the petite man sharing the stage with Hollywood superstar Morgan Freeman.
On Sunday night, Morgan Freeman gave a wonderful message of hope, unity, and tolerance to the world from the stage of FIFA's inauguration.
Freeman was accompanied by Qatar's youth icon Ghanim Al Muftah on the stage. Muftah is the ambassador of the FIFA World Cup. He recited some verses of the Quran with a focus on diversity and tolerance.
Ghanim Al Muftah with Morgan Freeman in FIFA opening ceremony
Ghanim Al Muftah was born with a twin brother. He suffers from Caudal Regression Syndrome, a disorder that impairs the development of the lower (caudal) half of the body. In this rare condition, the lower part of the spine does not function properly and remains underdeveloped.
Though the doctors gave up hope for his survival and gave him 15 years,Miftah is 20 year old.
His story hasinspired persons with disabilities around the world as they see him as a shining example of extraordinary spirit and resilience.
Ghanim Al Muftah with Morgan Freeman in FIFA opening ceremony
Muftah undergoes surgical procedures in Europe every year for dealing with abnormalities in his body.
Muftah wants to become a Paralympian in the future. Despite his physical disabilities, he cites swimming, scuba diving, football, hiking, and skateboarding as his favourite sports.
During school days, Muftah used to play football wearing shoes in his hands. He actively participated in the game with his 'normal' kind of friends.
Ghanim Al Muftah with Morgan Freeman in FIFA opening ceremony
He has climbed Jebel Shams, the highest peak in the Gulf region. And now he intends to climb Mount Everest.
Muftah is active on social media and has more than one million followers on Instagram. He intends to study political science at university and become the prime minister of Qatar.
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