Polio infected body builder wins titles for Pakistan but awaits recognition

LAHORE: Naveed Butt does not let polio corner him to victimhood. He trains hard at the gym everyday to maintain the body that has earned him international body building awards.

His rock hard abs won him the Mr Olympia title in the year 2013 and 2014. Now he is preparing for the Mr Universe and Mr Olympia titles which will be held in the United States.

In the year 2000, Butt represented Pakistan in the Paralympic Games in Sydney.

But all is not rosy in the picture. In the absence of state patronage for the sport, making ends meet is not an easy task for him.

“I have managed to defeat polio, and bring home the biggest title in body building, yet I have received no recognition,” he said.

Naveed even participated in the 2013 general elections, climbing three floors to cast his vote hoping that the new government would do something for him but he continues to suffer disappointment.

“I voted, assuming that the new government would learn of my achievements, recognize and reach out to me but sadly no one has contacted me.”