Ghanim Al Muftah, who stole the present on the opening ceremony of the World Cup together with Hollywood actor Morgan Freeman, is without doubt one of the largest celebrities in Qatar now. In actual fact, motivational speaker and social media influencer Ghanim has been a well-known face within the Center East. Whereas attempting to fulfill him in particular person, I got here throughout a Keralite – Kumbalangi native Josi Antony – who was Ghanim’s private coach some years in the past.
Josi advised me that it was not attainable to fulfill Ghanim now as he was present process remedy for well being points related to caudal retraction syndrome. Also referred to as caudal dip or sacral dysgenesis, it’s a uncommon congenital dysfunction that happens when the decrease a part of the backbone will not be absolutely fashioned earlier than start.
Ghanim Al Muftah. Photograph: Web site/Ghanim Al Muftah
Josi was Ghanim’s swimming teacher for over ten years.
“Ghanim was delivered to me when he was three-and-a-half years previous. In 2005, I give up my job on the Doha Indian Faculty and went again to Kerala. It was then Ghanim’s mom Eman requested me to return to Qatar. She wished me to coach her kids in aquatic sports activities. I accepted the invitation and began conducting coaching periods for her two kids on the swimming pool within the Muftah household’s house in Al Wakrah.”
“Ghanim and his twin brother Ahmed have been handled by Eman and her husband Muhammed Ahmed Ali Mustafa the identical means. They weren’t involved that one of many siblings had a incapacity. Ahmed performed soccer like every other little one whereas Ghanim performed together with his palms. They’re essentially the most affable and peculiar siblings I’ve ever come throughout in my life,” says Josi.
Ghanim and Ahmed have a sister – Garisa – who’s 5 years older to them. “They’re very near my daughter Jislin,” says Josi.
Ghanim Al Muftah with twin brother Ahmed. Photograph: Web site/Ghanim Al Muftah
Ghanim grew to become a social media sensation after he shared his unbelievable life story together with his followers. With greater than seven million followers on TikTok, greater than 3.3 million on Instagram, and practically one million subscribers on YouTube, he is without doubt one of the main social media influencers within the Center East now. The Qatari royal household has at all times been a robust pillar of help for Ghanim. Ghanim and Ahmed are presently pursuing a level in Political Science from a college in London.
Ghanim Al Muftah with Hollywood actor Morgan Freeman at opening ceremony of the Qatar World Cup
“The robust bond we share with Ghanim’s household is essentially the most valued factor we earned from our life in Qatar,” say Josi, who can be a painter, and his spouse Mary Diaz. “When Ghanim was younger, he used to name me ‘Coachee’. I solely taught him tips on how to swim, however it’s him and his household who taught me loads about life,” provides Josi, who presently works as an aquatics teacher on the America Faculty of Doha.