EP Jayarajan calls Muhammad Ali a Malayali

Kochi: The world reacted to the passing away of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali with shock. Unfortunately, Kerala's new sports minister EP Jayarajan allegedly gave an outrageous statement to a vernacular TV channel that rang him up for a reaction. The minister mistook the legendary boxer to be a Malayali.

Read: 'The Greatest of All Time': Boxing legend Muhammad Ali dies at 74

Mr Jayarajan said: “I was told Muhammad Ali has died in America. He was an outstanding sportsman from Kerala. By winning a gold medal he elevated Kerala's prestige sky high. I am conveying the grief of Kerala and that of our sports fraternity.”

Also Read: Muhammad Ali: He floated, he stung, mostly he thrilled

In the meantime, an Indian girl Anadita Patel, who like Jayarajan, went public with an erroneous tribute, was trolled relentlessly. The obscure youngster, who tweeted “RIP Mohammed Ali.  The best footballer of all time better than Ronaldo Maradona and Messi” was ridiculed, for as long as six hours on social media and to the extent that she first apologised and then deactivated her account. But even then her ignorance was not spared.

If a young girl, who is probably still a student could face the music for a gaffe, what can be said of a grown man, an elected representative, entrusted with the responsibility of the portfolio of sports in Kerala, one of India's best states for sportspersons?