New Delhi, April 1 -- Few athletes shaped sport and culture like Muhammad Ali. Known for his speed, sharp wit and fearless politics, Ali turned confidence into an art form. His words were as powerful as his punches. They still offer clear lessons on belief, effort and courage.

"I am the greatest. I said that even before I knew I was," Muhammad Ali

Ali often repeated variations of this line in the early 1960s, especially before and after his 1964 title win over Sonny Liston, as he built his public persona and mental edge.

Ali did not wait for approval. He created it. The line is not just bravado. It is about conviction. He backed his words with action. He trained hard. He took risks. He owned his identity.

The quote shows how self-beli...