Pride of Performance-winning wrestler Inam departs for Beach Wrestling World Series

Will participate participate in 90kg event in Rio de Janeiro

KARACHI: 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 Pakistani 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

"I'm going and it hasn't been easy to get the funds together," Inam told The Express Tribune before leaving for Rio de Janeiro. "I arranged it with the help of people, my coach Muhammad Riaz is also coming with me, and I'm finally getting this chance. It has not been easy, but Pakistan Wrestling Federation (PWF) tried to help, the Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti promised some money to me, which I'm hoping they would give later on. I'm just leaving with a dream here."

Inam said he had been training at his own akhara in Gujranwala continuously, and he had trained for the Asian Championship as well, but he is now setting his sights on the title in Brazil.

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."

Mentally, Inam said that he is in a better place.

"Of course it is not easy to be holding onto the hope and waiting for the money to be arranged, but I know, I am confident that I can make my mark in Brazil. I am very excited, I'm not stressed anymore."

Inam ideally wanted to reach at least three days before the event, but he feels that it will not take him much time to get accustomed to the conditions in Rio de Janeiro.

"We have to raise our flag, and I'm going to give my all," concluded Inam. "I just need my fellow Pakistanis to support me.”