Ace wrestler cites approved acetazolamide treatment after adverse doping finding; keeps CAS challenge option open
Pakistan’s seasoned wrestler and Pakistan Wrestling Federation (PWF) secretary Mohammad Inam Butt finds himself in hot water over doping scandal. Photo: AFP
LAHORE:
Pakistan ace-wrestler Muhammad Inam Butt has decided not to have his B sample tested after returning a positive doping finding at the Asian Beach Games in China, while leaving open the possibility of challenging any eventual sanction before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), sources close to the wrestler said.
Inam, who won a silver medal at the Asian Beach Games in April, was among the wrestlers tested during the competition. 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.
Sources close to Inam confirmed that he received the notice and said the wrestler had used medication to treat an eye condition before the Games.
Inam has told anti-doping authorities that he had been prescribed acetazolamide after consulting a doctor for an eye problem. He maintains that the medicine was taken for therapeutic purposes and had no connection with performance enhancement.
According to sources familiar with the case, Inam provided information about the medication, including medical records, scans and the doctor’s prescription, in response to the anti-doping notice. The International Testing Agency (ITA) subsequently conducted its own review and further testing as part of the inquiry.
The case has also involved the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which issued a letter to Inam on July 24 allowing him to use the medication twice a day until July 13, 2027, sources claimed.
Inam’s representatives argue that the subsequent authorisation for the medication raises questions about the adverse analytical finding and the handling of his case.
Anti-doping authorities, however, have maintained that athletes are required to disclose the use of medicines containing prohibited substances through the prescribed process, including where applicable seeking a therapeutic use exemption before competition.
The wrestler has now decided against a B-sample analysis. His representatives are reviewing the available options with legal advisers and could take the matter to the 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.
A suspension could have consequences beyond Inam’s competitive career. He is also serving as secretary of the Pakistan Wrestling Federation (PWF) and could be barred from participating in wrestling-related activities.
Inam has been the finest wrestlers in Pakistan’s last two decades journey.
He has pulled off major medals in international circuit, also including two golds in the Commonwealth Game. He was also an undisputed beach wrestling world champion for few years and has also to his credit gold in the World Beach Games.
Inam has also served quite well during his ongoing stint as PWF secretary and has conducted a lengthy talent-hunt programme as part of wrestling development at the grassroots level.
