Daily Times

Pakistan’s top athlete Muhammad Inam believes he can win in his category at the Rio de Janeiro Beach Wrestling World Series that will begin on May 10 as he left for the event after struggling to find finances to even participate. The 2010 and 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medallist had to miss out on the Asian Wrestling Championships in China too last month, but he was adamant that he needs to go for Brazil as the event will earn him points for the qualification of the World Beach Games. No Pakistan wrestler has ever participated in the World Beach Games. Inam had to battle against the odds, when there has not been any national camps from the Pakistan Sports Board or support from the government, the double World Beach Wrestling Champion had to sit out at home, and even competed at the Pakistan dangal earlier this year just to stay in form, as he is not getting any opportunity to train abroad. He needed Rs700,000 to go to the event, but did not have it and had to make arrangements in a short time. His biggest challenge has been to reduce his weight for the 90kg event. “I’ve been in training constantly,” said the 30-year-old. “The events are there, but I have to make sure I’m ready for anything. I have to reduce 10kgs for Brazil in just 25 days, so it was a challenge for me that I’m happy I achieved. My goal is to win in my category; it is going to be a tough event.”