Snooker victory

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In a country where cricket often dominates the headlines and public imagination, it is refreshing - and crucial - to shine a light on the remarkable talents emerging from lesser-known sports. The recent triumph of Pakistan's prolific cueist, Mohammad Asif, in the 3rd SAARC Snooker Championship is a testament to the vast reservoir of hidden talent that exists beyond the cricket pitch.

Asif's victory over Sri Lanka's Thaha Irshath at the Moors Sports Club in Colombo is indicative of Pakistan's growing prowess in snooker. Without dropping a single frame, the reigning world champion showed an impeccable display of skill and composure. However, the significance of Asif's victory extends beyond his individual accolades as there is a greater need for recognition and support for athletes excelling in sports that often fly under the radar. Asif joins Asjad Iqbal, the inaugural SAARC Snooker Champion, in a lineage of Pakistani cueists making waves on the international stage. Yet, despite these achievements, snooker and similar sports receive only a fraction of the attention and investment that cricket enjoys. This disparity in recognition and support is a missed opportunity. Sports like snooker, squash and hockey - where Pakistan has historically excelled - offer rich avenues for nurturing national pride and should prompt sponsors to broaden their horizons and invest in a more inclusive sports culture. One viable path forward is to draw inspiration from India's success in developing a thriving local sporting culture through structured leagues. These leagues can serve as a springboard for unearthing new talent, offering them a path to professional success.

By providing adequate support through resources and training facilities, we can empower our local athletes in lesser-known sports to reach their full potential. This not only diversifies our national sports portfolio but also offers young aspirants role models across a spectrum of disciplines.