UAE president says ‘I want to train you how to fight’ to Smit Machchhar, inspects his stitches

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan told Captain Smit Machchhar he intends to train him in self-defense once he recovers, according to a viral video from an award ceremony. In the clip, the president is seen inspecting Machchhar's stitches and expressing his intention to have the pilot undergo a session to learn how to fight.

The incident occurred when Machchhar, an Indian-origin pilot, was seriously injured during a mid-air attack on a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight. The co-pilot, an Omani national, stabbed Machchhar, causing the plane to plummet nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds. Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing the crew and passengers to overpower the co-pilot.

After the incident, Machchhar was initially treated in Tabuk before being transferred to Abu Dhabi for further recovery. The president was not the only dignitary to visit Machchhar; Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also paid him a visit. Both leaders praised the courage and professionalism of the crew members during the ceremony.