Pakistan's World Snooker Champion Muhammad Asif has requested Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif to release the remaining portion of his prize money for his historic victory in the 2024 IBSF World Snooker Championship.
The champion cueist, who claimed the World Snooker title for the third time in a thrilling final, expressed gratitude for the Rs 2.5 million awarded to him for his triumph in the SAARC Snooker Championship but is still awaiting the promised funds for his World Snooker Championship win.
In a meeting with the Prime Minister, Asif acknowledged the reward for the SAARC Championship victory but pleaded for the release of the remainder of his prize money.
"I am waiting for the prize money for winning the World Snooker Championship in 2024," Asif said. "I have requested PM Shehbaz to release the remaining amount as well."
Muhammad Asif’s remarkable victory in the 2024 IBSF World Snooker Championship saw him defeat Iran's Asian champion Ali Ghareghozlou 5-3 in a gripping final held in Qatar.
Asif's dominant performance throughout the tournament, including six-century breaks, earned him the prestigious title, tying him with India's Pankaj Advani, who has also won the championship three times.
The 42-year-old cueist from Faisalabad is hopeful that his achievements will inspire greater recognition for snooker in Pakistan. Asif believes that the sport's future success depends on the support of the government, particularly through the provision of jobs for cueists.
“If cueists get jobs, they will deliver better results for the country,” he added.
