KARACHI: World champion wrestler Inam Butt, who has recently won gold medal in World Beach Games held in Doha, Qatar, said he was honored to have been appointed as sports ambassador of the country by Pakistan Olympic association (POA).

Inam said that he has always fought in the ring to bring good name to the country. “I have always wrestled to bring good name to Pakistan because Pakistan is my identity,” said Inam.

He thanked POA President Arif Hasan for making him Pakistan’s sports ambassador, which he said has made him proud. He added that he wants to portray soft image of the country as Pakistan’s sports ambassador.

POA has recently hosted a reception ceremony in honour of gold medalist Inam Butt and POA President has also rewarded the wrestler with Rs 500,000 for his brilliant performance in Doha.

Inam further said that winning medals prove very beneficial for wrestling as it does not only improve Pakistan’s image but it also helps our wrestlers in getting recognition abroad, which subsequently motivate all wrestlers in the country.

Inam further said that POA and Pakistan Wrestling Federation (PWF) have always supported him in his career.

Meanwhile, he added that beating Olympic bronze medalist Dato Marsagishvili of Georgia in the World Beach Games final has been a high point in his career, which he has been cherishing for a while now.

Inam said that government and private sector need to come forward to support athletes who win medals in international events so that they could be motivated to perform even better in future.

He also appealed to President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan to recognize efforts of athletes who win medals for the country in international events.

Inam also said that Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) should play its role in this matter.

He further said that he has started preparation for South Asian Games for a forceful show and added that he has set his eyes on next year’s Olympic qualifying rounds and World Beach Series. “I want to win more laurels for the country,” said Inam.

Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2019