PWF eyes Iran, Russia for training to boost Olympic hopes

The Pakistan Wrestling Federation (PWF) has set its sights on Iran and Russia as potential training destinations for its top wrestlers in a bid to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games.

Speaking to Nukta in an exclusive interview, PWF Secretary General and former world beach wrestling champion Mohammad Inam said that high-level training abroad is essential if Pakistani wrestlers are to compete on the world stage.

“As a wrestler myself, I have experienced what it takes to compete at the highest level. If we are serious about Olympic qualification, we must first identify four to five wrestlers with real potential and then provide them with world-class training, ideally in Iran or Russia,” Inam told this correspondent

He emphasized that Iran is the top priority due to cultural and dietary compatibility.

“Our wrestlers will have access to halal food in Iran and their wrestling system is extremely strong. Russia is another option where their clubs are filled with Olympians and Olympic medalists. Training in such environments would be invaluable,” he added.

Inam pointed out that domestic training camps alone are not sufficient.

“You cannot develop elite wrestlers through local camps alone. They need regular sparring with tough international competitors to sharpen their skills,” he explained.

The federation has on its radar several promising athletes including Inayatullah, Asadullah, Abdullah, Tayyab Raza, Sharif Yahir and Gulzar and a couple of others.

“These wrestlers have real potential. With quality training and consistent international exposure, they can make it to the 2028 Olympics,” said Inam.

To support these ambitions Inam stressed the need for a robust marketing strategy to overcome the federation’s financial hurdles.

“If we want to implement these plans we will need significant funding. The only sustainable way forward is through a strong marketing and sponsorship drive,” he said.

Financial constraints

Financial constraints have long hindered PWF’s ability to send athletes to international competitions or fund overseas training. With Olympic qualification heavily dependent on global rankings the federation faces a critical challenge over the next three years.

“A wrestler’s ranking affects everything from seeding in draws to the level of competition in early rounds. Unfortunately, our athletes often get eliminated in the first round simply because they are drawn against world champions due to low rankings,” Inam noted.

“We must provide consistent exposure to our top wrestlers to change that,” he was quick to add.

Inam also revealed that he plans to host most of the federation’s upcoming camps in Gujranwala, his hometown, which he believes offers the best environment for effective training and management.

Currently he is personally providing accommodation to young wrestlers preparing for the 3rd Asian Youth Games scheduled to be held in Bahrain this October.

In a promising development, Inam shared that a US-based wrestler has expressed interest in representing Pakistan.

“I have asked him to participate in a national event first. If he performs better than our home-grown talent he will be considered for national selection,” Inam said.

Pakistan boasts a proud wrestling legacy including an Olympic bronze medal won by Mohammad Bashir at the 1960 Rome Olympics, a moment the federation hopes to replicate in years to come if solid development of the sport is ensured.