Asif appeals to PM Shehbaz for pending world snooker championship prize money

 Pakistan's World Snooker Champion Muhammad Asif has appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for the release of his prize money for winning the 2024 IBSF World Snooker Championship.

Asif, who made history by clinching his third World Snooker title earlier this year, is still awaiting the remaining portion of his reward.

In a recent statement, Asif expressed his gratitude for the Rs 2.5 million awarded by the Prime Minister for his victory in the SAARC Snooker Championship.

However, he emphasised that the prize money for his World Snooker Championship victory had not yet been fully disbursed.

"I am waiting for the prize money for winning the World Snooker Championship in 2024. I have requested Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif to release the remaining amount as well," Asif said.

Asif, who hails from Faisalabad, triumphed in a thrilling 9-frame final against Iran's Ali Ghareghozlou, securing a 5-3 victory. This win marked his third World Snooker Championship title, making him one of the most decorated cueists in the sport's history, alongside India's Pankaj Advani.

The 42-year-old's remarkable journey to victory included a record-setting six century breaks during the tournament. His performance, which also saw him defeat Cyprus' Michael Georgiou 5-3 to reach the final, has been lauded by fans and experts alike.

In addition to his call for the prize money, Asif has also voiced his concerns about the future of snooker in Pakistan. He believes that cueists could achieve even greater success if they were provided with jobs that would allow them to focus fully on the sport.

"If cueists get jobs, they will get better results," Asif emphasized.

Asif's third World Snooker Championship win has not only cemented his legacy in the sport but has also brought attention to the need for better support for Pakistani athletes, especially in niche sports like snooker.