Pakistan’s Usama Butt wins historic mas-wrestling bronze against elite Russian and Mongolian field
Pakistan’s Usama Butt wins historic mas-wrestling bronze against elite Russian and Mongolian field
By Nawaz Gohar : In a major breakthrough for Pakistan’s combat sports landscape, Gujranwala-born athlete Usama Butt has clinched the bronze medal at the prestigious ARA Festival Mas-Wrestling Championship held in Mongolia.
Going toe-to-toe with global heavyweights from elite strongholds like Russia and Mongolia, the rising Pakistani power athlete displayed flawless technique and raw determination. Beyond cementing a historic spot on the international winners’ podium, Butt’s stellar run earned him a well-deserved cash prize of USD 2,000.
Mas-Wrestling—a traditional sport rapidly gaining global traction—demands immense core strength and leverage. Butt’s journey to the podium required out-muscling seasoned competitors from nations where the sport is deeply institutionalized.
Nawab Furqan Khan, Vice President of the Asian Mas-Wrestling Federation and Presidium Member of the International Mas-Wrestling Federation (IMWF), lauded the achievement as a watershed moment for the country.
“Usama Butt’s podium finish at the ARA Festival is a proud moment for Pakistan,” Khan stated. “Going head-to-head against elite athletes from Russia and Mongolia proves the immense potential of our homegrown talent. This victory reflects the relentless hard work of our coaches, officials, and athletes who are building the foundations of Mas-Wrestling in Pakistan.”
The Pakistan Mas-Wrestling Federation (PMWF) formally expressed gratitude to the IMWF and the Asian Mas-Wrestling Federation for providing critical international pathways to athletes from emerging nations.
Federation officials believe this high-profile victory sends a clear signal to the sporting world that Pakistani athletes can compete with the best.
With Usama Butt now spearheading a new era of recognition for the sport domestically, the PMWF intends to capitalize on this momentum, aiming to inspire a younger demographic to embrace the discipline and elevate Pakistan into a dominant powerhouse in Asian Mas-Wrestling.
