Nine African boxers converted to Islam on the sidelines of an international boxing tournament in Pakistan on Tuesday, saying they were impressed by the humanity and righteous ways of the religion.
   
The boxers flew to Karachi to compete in the contest named after Pakistan's assassinated former prime minister Benazir Bhutto and drawing participants from 20 countries around the world.
   
It was a landmark tournament for Pakistan, coming 10 months after an attack on Sri Lankan cricketers in the eastern city of Lahore killed eight people, all but destroying the country's hopes of hosting top-level international sport.
   
Six boxers from Central African Republic (CAR) were joined by three others from Cameroon and chose to convert to Islam on the sidelines of the contest, which runs until Friday.

CAR coach Mohammad Kalambaye said the boxers were impressed by the teachings of Islam and Pakistan's hospitality.

No compulsion  

"All our boxers have converted from Christianity to Islam by heart and there was no compulsion on them," Kalambaye told AFP. "I am a Muslim since my birth and know there will be no problems for these boxers back home."
   
CAR is one of world's poorest countries. Christians form 50 percent and Muslims approximately 15 percent of the population.
   
The boxers embraced Islam at a ceremony overseen by chief cleric of the Jamia Binnoria institute Mufti Naeem at a local hotel.
   

"Historic event"

Naeem termed the occasion an "historic event."
   
"I have travelled round the world but have never seen so many people embracing Islam at one time. This proves Islam is an exemplary religion and teaches humanity." said Naeem.
   

Pakistan Boxing Federation president Dodha Khan Bhutto invited the converts to stay longer in Pakistan to study their new religion.

Source: AFP 
Photo: EPA/REHAN KHAN