Pakistani Star Wrestler Makes Asian Games Return After Suspension

Pakistan's renowned wrestler and sports administrator, Mohammad Inam Butt, has concluded a two-month suspension stemming from an anti-doping violation and is scheduled to rejoin wrestling activities, with the 2026 Asian Games marking his return. Inam's suspension was imposed from July 19 until September 18, and he has now been notified by the International Testing Agency (ITA) and wrestling authorities that he is cleared to resume all wrestling-related duties.

Following the suspension's expiration, Inam is expected to join Pakistan's wrestling team in Japan as a coach. Previously, Pakistan Wrestling Federation President Arshad Sattar was set to accompany the team, but will now forego this trip due to Inam's return. The case has also led to the revocation of Inam's silver medal from the Asian Beach Games, where he won in beach wrestling in China earlier this year.

The positive test occurred after Inam took medication for an eye condition, claiming it was for legitimate medical treatment. While the authorities accepted his explanation, the violation occurred due to his failure to notify anti-doping officials about the medication within the required time frame. Inam was granted permission to use the medication for one year, but the violation resulted in the loss of his Asian Beach Games silver medal.

Despite the suspension, Inam has returned to his administrative roles and is set to rejoin the Pakistan wrestling team ahead of the Asian Games.