Pakistan wrestler and administrator Mohammad Inam Butt has completed a backdated suspension and is cleared to resume duties, including a coaching role with the national squad.
Web Desk: Pakistan wrestler and sports administrator Mohammad Inam Butt has completed a two-month suspension imposed over an anti-doping violation and has been cleared to resume wrestling activities, according to documents and sources cited by The Express Tribune.
The suspension was effective from July 19 to September 18, meaning Butt has now completed the backdated sanction and is eligible to return to his wrestling-related duties. The International Testing Agency (ITA) and international wrestling authorities have informed him of his eligibility, according to sources familiar with the case.
Inam Butt cleared for Asian Games role
The clearance could allow Butt to travel to Japan with Pakistan’s wrestling squad and serve as a coach at the Asian Games.
The development follows an anti-doping case stemming from a test conducted during the Asian Beach Games in China earlier this year.
According to the report, Butt had tested positive for a prohibited substance after taking medication for an eye condition.
Butt told anti-doping authorities that the medication had been taken for legitimate medical treatment and was not intended to enhance his sporting performance. Authorities accepted his explanation regarding the medical use of the substance, but the case proceeded because the medication had not been declared to the relevant anti-doping authorities in time.
Medication approved for future use
Under anti-doping regulations, athletes are responsible for ensuring that prohibited substances used for legitimate medical purposes are properly declared and authorised when required.
According to sources cited by The Express Tribune, the ITA subsequently accepted Butt’s position and granted him permission to use the medication for one year.
Earlier reports had said Butt submitted information about the medication, medical records and prescriptions while the case was under review.
Asian Beach Games silver medal withdrawn
While Butt has been cleared to resume his duties, the case has resulted in the withdrawal of his silver medal from the Asian Beach Games.
He won the medal in beach wrestling at the event in China earlier this year.
The medal consequence remains separate from the completion of his suspension and return to wrestling activities.
Butt had stepped away from administrative roles
Butt had temporarily stepped away from his administrative responsibilities after the doping issue emerged.
He serves as secretary of the Pakistan Wrestling Federation (PWF) and heads the Pakistan Olympic Association’s Athletes Commission. He voluntarily separated from those positions while the case was being reviewed.
Earlier this month, Butt said he had stepped down from the PWF and POA roles in the interests of transparency and impartiality while the matter was pending.
With the suspension now completed, sources say he has returned to his work.
Pakistan squad preparing for Japan
Butt is now expected to proceed to Japan with the Pakistani wrestling squad as a coach.
The change also affects the team’s management arrangements. PWF President Arshad Sattar had initially been scheduled to travel with the squad, but according to The Express Tribune, he will no longer accompany the team following Butt’s return.
The Asian Games are currently underway in Japan, with wrestling scheduled as part of Pakistan’s participation.
Background to the doping case
The case became public earlier this month after reports emerged that Butt had returned a positive doping finding from testing conducted at the Asian Beach Games.
At the time, sources close to the wrestler said the prohibited substance came from medication used to treat an eye condition rather than from a performance-enhancing drug.
The subsequent decision resulted in a two-month suspension, effective retrospectively from July 19 through September 18.
With that period now complete, Butt has been cleared to resume his sporting responsibilities.
