Daijiworld Media Network – Islamabad

Islamabad, Nov 24: In a major relief for Pakistan’s star javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem, the life ban imposed on his long-time coach and mentor Salman Butt has been set aside by the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) adjudicator.

Senator Pervez Rashid, who reviewed Butt’s appeal against the Pakistan Amateur Athletics Federation’s (PAAF) October ban, ruled that the federation’s action was “unconstitutional” and violated due process. He noted that Butt was not served a charge sheet nor given a fair hearing before being penalised.

The adjudicator also directed the PAAF to withdraw all adverse communications sent to international sporting bodies and confirmed that Butt is free to continue coaching Nadeem and represent Pakistan at global events.

The PAAF had imposed the ban after Nadeem finished 10th at the World Athletics Championships. Upon return, Butt was asked to explain the performance. In his report, he said Nadeem had competed while still recovering from a calf muscle surgery done in July, and highlighted the PAAF’s lack of support toward the athlete over the past year.

Unhappy with his response, the federation accused Butt — who heads the Punjab athletics body — of violating its constitution and announced a lifetime ban.

Despite the ban, the Pakistan Olympic Committee later issued a special clearance for Butt to accompany Nadeem to the Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, where the champion javelin thrower clinched a gold medal.