Uzbeks Pedal Incredible Lengths to Meet Hero Kahn
June 17, 2006
According to a report in the Süddeutsche Zeitung newspaper, Akram Marufshonow and his friend Musadshon Chornidow, both 58, embarked on their journey from the Uzbekistan capital Tashkent on March 8, not to see their team play -- Uzbekistan is not in the tournament -- but to engage in a little hero worship.
The autograph hunters braved rain and snow as they cycled over 4,000 miles to Germany via Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus and Poland, doing part-time jobs to pay for food.
"Our hands and faces were blue at times it was that cold," Akram revealed. "But I am not leaving without Kahn's autograph."
Wish fulfilled
Kahn, who was voted most valuable player at the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea even though he lost the top goalie spot in this tournament to Jens Lehmann, was amazed to hear of the young fans' cross-continent journey in order to meet him and agreed to meet them in Berlin
The Uzbekistan duo watched the World Cup curtain-raiser between Germany and Costa Rica on June 9 at the Berlin fan mile located next to the Brandenburg Gate and on Friday they got their wish granted.
Bayern Munich goalkeeper Kahn was pictured smiling as he signed his name to make Akram and Musadshon's dreams come true.
"My heart is racing I am overjoyed," confessed Akram.
Kahn, who turned 37 on Thursday, admitted their story had touched him, saying: "I can not believe it. It is incredible."