Pakistani wrestling icon Inam Butt steps down pending final doping decision
Pakistani wrestling icon Inam Butt steps down pending final doping decision
By Nawaz Gohar ; Renowned Pakistani wrestler and sports administrator Muhammad Inam Butt has voluntarily resigned from his key administrative posts—Secretary General of the Pakistan Wrestling Federation (PWF) and Chairman of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) Athletes’ Commission—pending the final decision in his ongoing doping case.
Inam Butt confirmed on Wednesday that he has formally notified the President of the Wrestling Federation and POA officials of his decision. He stated that the step was taken in the broader interest of sports integrity, transparency, and impartiality, ensuring that the investigation remains unhindered and that national wrestlers do not face unnecessary disruption.
As part of his decision to step away from all wrestling activities until the matter is resolved, Inam Butt has also withdrawn as head coach for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan, where he was originally scheduled to lead the national squad.
A final decision from anti-doping authorities and United World Wrestling (UWW), the global governing body for the sport, is expected within the coming days.
Inam Butt’s departure leaves the Pakistani wrestling contingent with a single official for the Asian Games. Arshad Sattar, who was initially included in the delegation as manager, will now assume dual responsibilities as both team manager and coach.
The four-member wrestling squad representing Pakistan at the Games includes: Muhammad Abdullah (65 kg), Inayatullah (74 kg), Noman Zaka (86 kg) and Muhammad Gulzar (97 kg).
The national wrestling training camp is currently underway in Islamabad under the supervision of coaches Usman Shahid and Azhar Hussain. The team is scheduled to depart for Japan on September 27, with wrestling events set to commence on October 3.
