Cueist Asif ‘disappointed’ with ‘silent’ reception on return after IBSF title win

KARACHI: Pakistan cueist Mohammad Asif, after winning the International Billiards and Snooker Federation (IBSF) World Snooker Championship in Qatar, was left heartbroken after receiving a quiet reception on his return to the country at the Karachi airport on Sunday.

“It is unfortunate that no government representative came to welcome a world champion. This attitude discourages young players who look up to their heroes,” Asif told Geo News on his return to the country.

Asif, who clinched his third world title by defeating an Iranian competitor in the final, has now set his sights on a fourth title to make his record even more formidable.

Although officials from the Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association (PBSA) were present to welcome him, there were no representatives from the federal or provincial governments – an absence Asif described as “heartbreaking”.

Commenting on his win, Asif acknowledged the early challenges in the tournament but said he found his stride as the matches progressed.

He credited PBSA, particularly its president Alamgir Shaikh, for their unwavering support and encouragement, sharing that Shaikh had expressed a personal desire to win the title for the third time.

Asif said his game against Qatar’s Ahmed Saif was a tough game but added that winning that game gave him the momentum needed to secure the championship.

Asif urged the government to step up its recognition and support for world champions, advocating improved incentives for top players.

With a third title win fueling his confidence, Asif is now aiming for a fourth championship to cement a lasting legacy for Pakistan.

“I want to create a unique record for Pakistan that can stand for longer, and breaking this record becomes difficult for any other cueist,” he said.

Asked about his interactions with Indian players, Asif described his relationship with them as “cordial”, stating that both Indian and Pakistani players are willing to compete in each other’s countries.