Cueist Asif dedicates second world title to 'Kashmiri brothers and sisters'

Rues lack of government support even after bringing laurels for Pakistan on multiple occasions

Pakistan's most successful cueist Muhammad Asif on Monday received a warm welcome at the Karachi airport after he won his second world title.

Asif defeated Jeffery Roda eight frames to five in the final of the World Snooker Championship in Antalya, Turkey.

He had earlier won the world championship in 2012.

Asif, who hails from Faisalabad, while talking to media in Karachi said: "I am thankful to Allah for the win. He helped me to this big victory. I was hopeful that I will win the title. The people have showered a lot of love on me."

Muhammad Asif wins second world snooker title

He continued by ruing the lack of support from the government of Pakistan. "The government doesn't motivate us. I am thankful to the Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association for their support and help."

He added that the win was not alone his to take credit for. "This is not an individual victory, this is Pakistan's victory. I am happy that I was able to raise Pakistan's flag high one again."

Asif then made a humble request to the government of Pakistan. "I would request the government to support us. I didn't receive the legal winning prize of Rs10 million when I first won the world title, however that is an old story."

He then dedicated the win to the "Kashmiri brothers and sisters".