Inam Butt Completes Suspension, Set to Return With Pakistan Wrestling Team
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Pakistan’s prominent wrestler and sports administrator Mohammad Inam Butt has completed a two-month suspension related to an anti-doping violation and is now eligible to resume his wrestling and administrative activities.
According to documents and sources familiar with the case, the suspension was imposed from July 19 to September 18. Inam has since been informed by the International Testing Agency (ITA) and international wrestling authorities that he can return to wrestling-related duties.
Expected to Join Pakistan’s Asian Games Squad
Following the completion of his suspension, Inam is expected to travel to Japan with Pakistan’s wrestling squad for the Asian Games 2026, where he is likely to serve as a coach.
Pakistan Wrestling Federation (PWF) President Arshad Sattar had initially been scheduled to travel with the team. However, he is no longer expected to accompany the squad following Inam’s return.
Asian Beach Games Medal Withdrawn
Despite being cleared to resume his activities, the anti-doping case resulted in the withdrawal of Inam Butt’s silver medal from the Asian Beach Games.
He had won the medal in beach wrestling in China earlier this year.
Details of Anti-Doping Case
Inam tested positive for a prohibited substance after taking medication for an eye condition. He told anti-doping authorities that the medicine was prescribed for legitimate medical treatment and was not taken to improve his athletic performance.
Sources said authorities accepted his explanation regarding the medical purpose of the medication. However, the violation stemmed from the fact that the medicine had not been declared to the relevant anti-doping authorities within the required timeframe.
Anti-doping regulations place responsibility on athletes to properly declare and obtain the necessary authorization for prohibited substances used for legitimate medical treatment.
Permission Granted for Medication
According to sources, the ITA later accepted Inam’s position and authorized him to use the medication for one year.
However, the anti-doping violation still led to the withdrawal of his Asian Beach Games silver medal.
Return to Administrative Duties
Inam had temporarily stepped away from his administrative responsibilities after the doping case emerged. He currently serves as secretary of the Pakistan Wrestling Federation and heads the Pakistan Athletes Commission of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA).
With his suspension now complete, Inam has resumed his administrative responsibilities and is expected to rejoin Pakistan’s wrestling setup ahead of the Asian Games 2026.
