AN inspirational video has captured the moment a young kickboxer with cerebral palsy wins a bout – despite being told as a child he may never walk.
Hassan Afzal, 13, uses a frame to support himself, but lands numerous blows and kicks on his opponent, to knock him off the mat in their two minute sparring session.
The youngster, from Walsall, West Midlands, originally enrolled on a kickboxing course several years ago in order to build up his strength, but continues to defy medical predictions and is
working his way up the sport’s grading system.
At the start of the bout, after touching gloves with his opponent, Hassan lands several kicks to his opponent’s abdomen, before handing out a hook to his head.
Using his frame for support, he lands several more knee strikes, before eventually pushing the other competitor off the mat.
He is then given a trophy by his sporting opponent in a ceremony after the fight.
The video has been viewed 38,000 times since being uploaded to Facebook on Saturday.
Hassan’s trainer Wayne Haskett said: “I met Hassan while teaching an after school club. He was one of the last ones to come in and his his sister helped him with his walking frame.
“His mum had tried taking him to other clubs but they had declined.
“The 10 week course ended with Hassan getting stronger and focused and he was always giving 200%. He asked me if he could carry on at our club which I was more than happy for.
“He has been with us a few years and has come on leap and bounds, especially considering the doctors said he would never walk.
“He is without doubt the most dedicated student I have ever taught.”
Viewers of the video on Facebook have been expressing their delight at the footage.
Luke O’Toole said: “Incredible. A big inspiration to all other kids out there that might be thinking
I’d love to but could never do that. Hats off to you mate.”
Gemma Piert wrote: “Amazing. Great sportsmanship from both fighters.”
Peter Bennett added: “Very impressed and a very talented young man. Huge respect.”
Aza Sheldon concluded: “This was absolutely amazing. Highlight of the day well done Hassan very inspiring.”
Cerebral palsy is a group of permanent movement disorders with varying symptoms, including
poor coordination, stiff muscles, weak muscles, and tremors.
It is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture.
