LAHORE: Celebrated wrestler Muhammad Inam Butt, in a development that has sent shockwaves through Pakistan’s wrestling community, has voluntarily stepped down from all his official administrative positions following the positive result in his recent doping test.
In a formal statement released from Lahore, Inam announced his resignation from both his role as Secretary General of the Pakistan Wrestling Federation (PWF) and his position as Chairman of the Pakistan Olympic Association’s (POA) Athletes Commission, citing the need for transparency and impartiality while his case remains under review .
The decision, described by Inam as being taken “in the wider interest of sports, transparency and impartiality,” comes at a critical juncture for Pakistani wrestling. The PWF leadership and POA authorities have been officially notified of his decision to step aside until formal clearance is finalized by anti-doping authorities .
The controversy stems from a doping test conducted during the Asian Beach Games held in China in April 2026, where Inam had won a silver medal. A sample taken from him was found to contain a small amount of a prohibited substance, prompting anti-doping authorities to issue him a notice in May.
Sources close to the wrestler have revealed that Inam had been undergoing treatment for an eye-related condition and was taking medication prescribed by his doctors before the competition. According to reports, the medication—identified as acetazolamide—was not intended to enhance performance but was part of a legitimate therapeutic regimen .
Inam reportedly submitted details of the medication, including medical records, scans, and doctors’ prescriptions, to the relevant authorities. He has maintained that he never knowingly used a performance-enhancing substance .
The case has drawn the attention of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which is currently reviewing Inam’s explanation, medical records, and supporting evidence before deciding whether any action should be taken against him. Significantly, WADA issued a letter to Inam on July 24, 2026, allowing him to use the medication twice a day until July 13, 2027, according to sources. Inam’s representatives argue that this subsequent authorization raises questions about the adverse analytical finding and the handling of his case .
Inam has also decided not to have his B sample tested, opting instead to rely on the medical evidence already submitted. His representatives are reviewing available options and could take the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) if a suspension is imposed .
Under anti-doping rules, a confirmed violation could result in a suspension, with the length depending on the substance detected, the circumstances of the case, and whether the athlete can establish an applicable defence or mitigating factors. For now, there is no suspension or ban against Inam.
In addition to resigning from his administrative positions, Inam has also announced his withdrawal from the Asian Games in Japan, where he had been due to serve as a coach for the national wrestling team. The Games are scheduled to begin on September 19, 2026 .
Inam said he wanted to remain away from all wrestling-related activities until the matter was resolved. His withdrawal has forced a change in Pakistan’s coaching setup, with Arshad Sattar—who was initially part of the delegation as manager—now set to take over coaching duties in Inam’s absence .
Pakistan will now have only one official accompanying its wrestling team at the Asian Games. The four-member wrestling squad includes Muhammad Abdullah (65kg), Inayat Ullah (74kg), Noman Zaka (86kg), and Muhammad Gulzar (97kg) .
Inam Butt is widely regarded as one of Pakistan’s finest wrestlers of the past two decades. His career is adorned with an impressive haul of medals, including two gold medals at the Commonwealth Games, a gold at the World Beach Games, and multiple titles at the World Beach Championships, Asian Beach Games, and South Asian Games. He has been an undisputed beach wrestling world champion for several years .
In July 2025, Inam made history by becoming the first active national and international wrestler to assume the role of PWF Secretary General. His election was hailed as a historic moment for the sport, with PWF President Arshad Sattar noting that Inam’s background as an elite athlete would provide invaluable perspective in advancing wrestling in Pakistan.
During his tenure as Secretary General, Inam launched a 100-day action plan focused on grassroots talent development, organizing youth games, and conducting nationwide talent hunts to discover the next generation of wrestling champions.
