In his opening remarks, Alfredo Leoni, Ambassador of Brazil to Pakistan, briefed about the Embassy's efforts in promoting Capoeira in Pakistan. He stated that Shayan Ali and Mirwais' trip to Brazil was a significant additional step in making Capoeira known in Pakistan, at the same time establishing another important bridge between Brazilians and Pakistanis.
Ambassador Leoni strongly believes in people-to-people diplomacy. Capoeira is not only sports but it is also education and culture. In their stay in Rio de Janeiro, Shayan and Mirwais could improve their knowledge of and training in Capoeira. They also experienced life in Rio de Janeiro and became friends to a number of Brazilians.
Ambassador Leoni hopes that Shayan and Mirwais' trip to Brazil will help in promoting the Capoeira classes, given at the Embassy of Brazil in Islamabad on regular basis and free of charge. Ambassador Leoni expressed his gratitude to Master Canguru, the Head of "ABADA Capoeira" training center in Rio de Janeiro, and to Ms Lara Lee, a Brazilian national who is the founder of the non-profit organisation "Cultures of Resistance Network" who greatly sponsored Shayan and Mirwais' Capoeira training course in Brazil.
A video documentary, made by Shayan on his experience in Capoeira training in Brazil, was then shown to the public. After the screening of the video, Shayan and Mirwais spoke about their trip to Brazil and answered questions of the audience.
Shayan Ali said Pakistan was now affiliated with ABADA Capoeira in Brazil and for the first time Capoeira was officially going to start in Pakistan. "I feel honoured to be the part of it. All credit goes to the Embassy of Brazil in Islamabad for its efforts to promoting Capoeira, the Brazilian martial art."