Gullu Butt Pehlwan lifts Rustam-e-Pakistan title

Pakistan Army wrestler Mohammad Gulzar, popularly known as Gullu Butt Pehlwan, won the prestigious Rustam-e-Pakistan title after defeating WAPDA’s Muhammad Adnan, popularly called Tyran Wala, in the final bout of the national wrestling competition, 24NewsHD TV reported on Saturday.

The event was held at the Football Ground in Noorpur, Faisalabad, under the auspices of the Pakistan Wrestling Federation, drawing strong interest from traditional wrestling fans.

Both finalists hail from Gujranwala, a city widely regarded as a stronghold of wrestling in Pakistan and known for producing several top pehlwans over the years.

The Rustam-e-Pakistan title is considered one of the highest honours in local wrestling, carrying significant prestige in the country’s long-standing kushti tradition.

Gulzar, a student of world champion Inam Butt, trained at the historic Jinnah Health Wrestling Club in Gujranwala and is known for his mastery of both traditional mud pit wrestling and freestyle international wrestling.

He has represented Pakistan in more than 55 countries and has won medals at national competitions consistently over two decades.

Among his notable achievements, Gulzar won gold at the senior national wrestling championship at age 15, becoming Pakistan’s youngest national champion, and more recently secured a bronze medal in the 97kg freestyle category at the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games, defeating Turkey’s Refat Gedik 5-4.

Officials at the event, including President of Pakistan Wrestling Federation Chaudhry Arshad Sattar Ulakh, General Secretary Inam Butt, and Divisional Sports Officer Shah Manzar Fareed, attended to encourage the wrestlers and celebrate the champion’s victory.

Gulzar dedicated his 2025 international medal to the country’s armed forces and martyrs.

Despite his international success, he continues to train at his local club, mentoring younger wrestlers and maintaining ties to Gujranwala’s traditional wrestling roots.

The Rustam-e-Pakistan title, held every two years, is considered the highest honor in Pakistani wrestling, and Gulzar’s victory further cements his reputation as one of the country’s premier athletes in both traditional and international arenas.