Pakistan’s Asian U-21 Snooker hopes dashed by lack of funds

KARACHI: Pakistan has pulled out of the Asian U-21 Snooker Championship to be held in Keish Island, Iran from April 9 to 14, the Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association (PBSA) announced here Saturday.

“We are pulling out of the event due to a lack of funding from the Pakistan Sports Board and Federal Sports Ministry,” President PBSA Alamgir Shaikh told a news conference at Karachi Club.

He said the sports ministry had assured funds worth Rs. 250,000 for the trip but despite repeated requests the grant was not released.

“The unavailability of the grant forced us to pull out of the event at the last minute which has tarnished the country’s image,” he said.

He said NOC for the trip was sent but money required for the trip was not released.

Hamza Akbar and Agha Bilawal were picked to represent Pakistan in the championship.

He said Pakistan’s participation in the Asian Snooker Championship was also under doubt as they are yet to receive a NOC from the Federal Sports Ministry.

Shaikh said they have written letters to the President, Prime Minister and Chief Ministers to express their view point.

The Asian Snooker Championship is scheduled to be held in Indore, India, from April 23-30.