Top Pak weightlifters dealt IOC scholarship blow following PWF's suspension

The Pakistan Weightlifting Federation’s (PWF) disputed status has significantly impacted the country’s top weightlifters and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics prospects, including Olympian Talha Talib and Nooh Dastgir Butt, as none of them are eligible for the IOC Scholarship.

Nukta has reliably learnt that weightlifting could not be considered for the scholarship due to the federation’s issues.

The PWF has been suspended by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) following doping violations.

This correspondent has learnt that the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) has also written to IWF to explain the PWF’s position so that it could take further steps, but the world body is yet to respond.

Issues in recent years

In recent years, Pakistan has seen a lot of weightlifting doping scandals, with some prominent weightlifters being banned for using steroids, while others have been banned for refusing to cooperate with the doping officials.

In the aftermath of the scandals, the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) sanctioned some of the officials and also suspended the PWF, constituting an interim committee to handle the country’s weightlifting affairs.

Meanwhile, Talha returned to the circuit earlier this year following a marathon ban due to doping.

While Nooh, the 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medallist, has also returned to weightlifting after having flexed his muscles in powerlifting for quite some time due to his differences with the PWF, but has now reconciled with the PWF.

Current scenario

Meanwhile, as questions linger about when the sanction will be lifted from PWF, the current situation can be a huge blow for the country, as both Nooh Butt and Talha Talib have a massive chance to qualify for LA 28 and also a potential to bring a medal for the country.

The IOC scholarship helps cover some of the expenses of athletes during their three-year Olympic cycle, which includes preparation and participation in Olympic qualifiers.

Hence, such a program was an urgent need of the hour, as both the athletes were in dire need, given that they were undergoing training at their own facilities.

Last time, Nooh was awarded the scholarship for the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, he could not use it due to his differences with the PWF.

Meanwhile, no wrestler is part of the scholarship list. According to a source, wrestling was not considered because of its previous unsatisfactory performance.

The country’s seasoned wrestler and now PWF Secretary General, Mohammad Inam Butt, and his cousin, Mohammad Bilal, had availed themselves of an IOC scholarship for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Nukta has learnt that POA had invited names for IOC scholarships from national federations and according to sources, the International Federations (IFs) have approved it and have sent the details to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) which will formally inform the POA in a few days.

As per IOC rules gender equality is maintained in awarding the scholarships to the athletes through their NOCs.