Louisville Airport, Kentucky, USA has been renamed after the late champion boxer Muhammad Ali. The move was made in honour of the legacy he left behind in the city of Louisville, his hometown. Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer said in a news conference that Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport is a reminder that while Ali belonged to the world, Louisville was his home.
“Muhammad became one of the most well-known people to ever walk the earth and has left a legacy of humanitarianism and athleticism that has inspired billions of people,” Fischer said. “It is important that we, as a city, further champion the champ’s legacy. And the airport renaming is a wonderful next step.”
The Mayor also cited the fact that Ali’s name had become more recognisable than that of the city, hence making the name choice far more befitting. The Louisville airport board said the decision came after a working group studied renaming the airport for more than a year. The board released this statement in regards to their choice of naming the Airport after him.
“On Wednesday, January 16, 2019, the Board of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority voted to meaningfully recognise the legacy of the humanitarian, boxing legend and Louisville native, Muhammad Ali by renaming the airport in his honour.”
Muhammad Ali was a proud Muslim and would often cite Islam when asked about his source of inspiration. He once said:
“I conquered the world, and it didn’t bring me happiness. The only true satisfaction comes from honoring and worshipping God. … Being a true Muslim is the most important thing in the world to me. It means more to me than being black or being American.”
May Allah have mercy on our brother Muhammad Ali who lived a life in service of Allah and left behind a legacy of goodness. The late boxer passed away in 2016, he would have been 77 on Thursday.

Relevant Tags