Hamza Akbar: A rising star goes unnoticed

Hamza Akbar has not only officially become Pakistan's first cueist to qualify for the World Snooker Championship, but has also won his first match in the qualifying round against Welsh Jamie Jones (bagging his first professional win alongside his first pro award of 6600 GBP).

This was Hamza’s best performance as a professional snooker player in the British Circuit as of yet.


Recently, two of his close matches include one against two-time World Champion Mark Williams. In the first round of the 2015 UK Championship, he made a comeback from 4-0, but eventually lost 6-4. Whereas, in the second one, he took Michael Holt to a deciding frame in the opening round of Welsh Open. He made a 52 break but was eventually beaten 4-3.

Although the young Pakistani lost these two matches, the fact that he put up a strong show against two very strong opponents – particularly against an experienced two-time world champion – pays testimony to his hard work and effort.

Despite the evident lack of full support from the Pakistan’s Billiard and Snooker Association, Hamza has yet again managed to win over fans with his brilliant sportsmanship.

His is not only a tale of struggle but one that our nation can take pride in and learn from.

Mohammad Asif, Hamza Akbar and Shahram ChangeziPhoto: White Star

His recent victories, despite being an underdog, are proof of the talent that exists in Pakistan. Just last year, Hamza went on to win the Asian Snooker Championship for Pakistan after 16 years (being the third Pakistani to do so). Similarly, his recent victory in the World Championship is also proof of his dedication to the sport. These achievements are a massive source of pride not only for Hamza, but for all Pakistanis as well, considering the dismal state of affairs this particular sport is in.

Winning a championship is as hard as it gets, and doing so without much support from your country, which is currently in the state of war, is simply outstanding.

Hamza Akbar lifting the Asian Snooker Championship trophyPhoto: AFP

That being said, the lack of attention and support that this young man receives is an issue worth addressing. The Pakistani cricket team failed to qualify for even the semi-finals in the recent 2016 T20 World Cup, yet they received more attention than Hamza, who had been putting as much, if not more, effort in his particular sport.

One can argue that this might be due to the lack of popularity of the sport, but that would be a baseless argument as snooker is played on more or less every street and corner of the country. Ranging from dhabbas in the middle of barren highways to fully developed bars in Gymkhana or Pearl Continental, snooker fanatics can be seen standing on one leg, trying to pot their last ball and win their respective wagers.

Hamza Akbar vs Pankaj AdvaniPhoto: AFP

Thus, Hamza deserves ample amount of acknowledgment from the nation. A player’s experience and efforts plays its part but a player’s morale defines him. He deserves to know that he is revered by the nation as much as a cricketer or a tennis player, and has full support from the country he represents in major league competitions.

I wish the very best of luck to Hamza Akbar– a star that has risen but whose existence is yet to be acknowledged. We hope he brings the world championship trophy home!