COLOMBO: Pakistan’s veteran cueist Mohammad Asif lamented the lack of support and recognition from the federal government following his victory at the recently-concluded 3rd SAARC Snooker Championship here on Friday.
In a video statement, Asif revealed that even after winning the IBSF World Snooker Championship for the third time, he was not honoured by either Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari or sports minister Rana Sanaullah.
“Look, it’s been almost two months since I won the world championship for the third time and until now, I neither received any call nor was invited by Prime Minister, President, sports minister and Chief Minister Punjab,” Asif revealed.
“They did not do anything to encourage me or the emerging talent which is not a good thing. Even today, I am going to Pakistan after winning another tile but the thing is if they keep ignoring us like that then how would new talent come to the limelight,” Asif questioned.
Mohammad Asif also expressed his disappointment with the government focusing solely on cricket before urging the authorities to recognize the top performers of the other sports as well.
“I think they consider cricket as the only sport. It’s not that we are against cricket but other sports should also be catered and when we come after performing then we, at least, deserve that they recognize our contribution and reward us,” he concluded.
It is pertinent to mention that Asif outfoxed Sri Lanka’s Thaha Irshath 5-0 to win the 3rd SAARC Snooker Championship earlier today at the Moors Sports Club here.
The reigning world champion remained undefeated in the entirety of the tournament and also beat compatriot Muhammad Naseem Akhtar in the semi-final.
Atique ur Rehman Atique ur Rehman is a senior reporter for Geo News.- Mohammad Asif