Gold Med List wrestler Anam Butt: Sorry for not participating in Tokyo Olympics, but now look forward to the next Olympics

It is now common practice for Pakistan's famous young wrestler Inam Butt to win a gold medal in any international competition. At the end of every event they take part in, the picture of them waving the Pakistani flag with the gold medal definitely comes to the fore.

Inam Butt's latest achievement was the World Beach Wrestling Series in Italy, in which he won a gold medal in the 90 kg category.

Inam Butt defeated the Ukrainian wrestler 3-0 in the final of the event. In the semi-finals, they also defeated the Romanian wrestler by three wickets.

What is the World Beach Wrestling Series?

Speaking to BBC Urdu from Italy, Inam Butt said that this is a global event in which besides the wrestlers of the World Championship, the wrestlers who have won medals in the Olympics are also participating. The 90kg category I competed in also included Olympic bronze medalist wrestlers.

He added: "This event was more difficult than in the past because this time world-class wrestlers from Iran, Russia, and Bulgaria also took part in it. As time goes on, World Beach Wrestling competitions are getting tougher and harder to win.

How many events are in the series?

Inam Butt says the title of the World Beach Series is different from the title of World Beach Wrestling Champion. The first event of the series has taken place in Italy with two more events remaining and their medals will be separate. The next event is in Greece on September 10 and 11, followed by the third and final event in Romania on September 24 and 25.

"I try my best to get my Greek visa in Italy and I can go there and participate in the second event of the series," said Inam Butt. I have also spoken to the Federal Minister Dr. Fehmida Mirza and the Pakistani Ambassador in this regard and I hope that with their cooperation I will be able to compete in Greece as I did in Italy. has taken.'

The sadness of not participating in Tokyo Olympics

Anam Butt is very sorry to participate in the Tokyo Olympics. "What could be more important for any athlete than to represent their country at the Olympics, especially at a time when you are able to perform well there," he says.

 

"Most of the athletes I'm competing with now have competed in the Olympics," said Inam Butt. "Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to compete in the Olympics." Code's situation has changed the world landscape. Sports suffered a lot. Training camps closed. Even before that, the situation was not good. After 2018, our camps did not start. I could not go to many qualifying competitions. France missed out on the event. Going to international events was very expensive because of the code. Due to the mandatory condition of quarantine, the duration of stay abroad was extended and the expenses could not be met.

"The Tokyo Olympics are over, now we have to focus on the next Olympics and we have only four years, not four, so our institutions have to start planning and training from now on," says Inam Butt.

Gujranwala is a city of wrestlers and weightlifters

Inam Butt says, "Fortunately, my city Gujranwala is being mentioned a lot these days." A few days ago, Haider Ali won a gold medal in the Paralympics.

Weightlifter Talha Talib has excelled at the Olympics, while Test cricketer Hassan Ali also hails from the same city.

If you look, this talent is not from today but has been present for a long time. There is a history of wrestling and weightlifting, but the popularity is growing. Social media is very dynamic which has made our performance more visible.