Life ban revoked on coach of Pakistan’s Olympic champ Arshad Nadeem
Pakistan Sports Board adjudicator revoked the sanction imposed on Nadeem's long-time coach and mentor Salman Butt judging it to be unconstitutional.
New Delhi: The life ban on coach of Pakistan’s reigning Olympic javelin champion Arshad Nadeem has been declared null and void.
Pakistan Sports Board adjudicator revoked the sanction imposed on Nadeem’s long-time coach and mentor Salman Butt judging it to be unconstitutional.
The Pakistan Amateur Athletics Federation had banned him in October after Nadeem finished 10th at World Athletics Championships.
Butt was asked to submit a report for Nadeem’s underwhelming performance in Tokyo following his gold-grabbing act at Paris Olympics to become the country’s first individual gold medallist.
Apart from health issues owing to recuperation from a calf muscle surgery in July, Butt pointed out PAAF’s non-existent role in Nadeem’s career even after his historic gold last year.
PAAF banned Butt in response on allegations of violation of constitution as president of the Punjab athletics body.
Plea
Senator Pervez Rashid was appointed as adjudicator on Butt’s appeal to PSB and Pakistan Olympic Committee.
Rashid noted absence of lack of due process including failure to provide charge sheet or proper hearing to Butt while overturning the ban.
He also ordered PAAF to withdraw all adverse notes and communications sent to international bodies on Butt immediately.
Butt will continue to remain Nadeem's coach and represent the country on the world stage after Pakistan Olympic Committee gave him special clearance.
He recently accompanied Nadeem to Riyadh for the Islamic Solidarity Games where the star javeliner won the gold medal.