Pakistan Wrestling Federation Cites Financial Issues for Missed World Championship

The Secretary of the Pakistan Wrestling Federation (PWF), Inam Butt, stated on Tuesday that Pakistan’s absence from the forthcoming World Wrestling Championship is primarily due to a lack of funds and inadequate training camp provisions.

Butt addressed the media, conveying his disappointment but affirming that efforts are being made to participate in upcoming competitions.

“We are committed to preventing these issues in the future by securing funding and ensuring Pakistan’s presence at next year’s Asian Wrestling Championship,” he pledged.

Butt revealed that the inability to offer sufficient training facilities and cover travel costs prevented Pakistani wrestlers from competing in this year’s Asian Wrestling Championship.

“Our wrestlers were unable to participate in the Asian Championship because of the lack of essential training camps and coverage of travel expenses,” he explained.

Notably, Pakistan also did not participate in the Asian Wrestling Championship held in March. Participation in the Asian event is a prerequisite for qualification in the World Wrestling Championship.

The World Wrestling Championship is scheduled from September 13 to 21 in Croatia this year.

Last month, Inam Butt, a celebrated Pakistani wrestler and Commonwealth Games gold medalist, was appointed as the new Secretary of the PWF.

Arshad Sattar was elected as President, Abdul Mubeen Chaudhry as Chairman, and Muhammad Riaz as Treasurer for the upcoming term. The elections occurred during a PWF general meeting, where all candidates were elected without opposition and with full agreement.

Officials from the Pakistan Sports Board’s Election Commission and various federation representatives attended the meeting.

Butt, 36, has a history of success, including gold medals in the Beach Wrestling World Series in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2021. Given his established achievements, high expectations are set for future performances.

Butt’s wrestling career includes eight gold, three silver, and one bronze medal from events such as the Commonwealth Games, World Beach Championships, World Beach Games, Asian Beach Games, and South Asian Games.