(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Pakistan Shines at 2025 IBSF World Snooker Championships with Double Victory
Pakistan celebrated a historic day in international snooker as two of its top players brought home titles from the 2025 IBSF World Snooker Championships held in Manama, Bahrain. The event marked a significant milestone for cue sports in the country, highlighting both experience and emerging talent.
🇵🇰 Muhammad Asif Triumphs in Masters Category
Veteran cueist Muhammad Asif added another prestigious title to his name by winning the IBSF World Masters Snooker Championship. In a thrilling final, Asif edged out India’s Brijesh Damani with a narrow 4-3 victory, showcasing his experience and composure under pressure.
Asif’s journey to the title included:
-
A commanding 4-0 win over Bahrain’s Habib Sabah in the quarterfinals.
-
A solid 4-2 victory against India’s Manan Chandra in the semifinals, with impressive frame scores such as 118-6 and 92-11.
Already known for his previous international successes, Asif’s latest triumph further cements his legacy in the sport.
🌟 Rising Star Hasnain Akhtar Wins U17 Title
In the junior category, 17-year-old Hasnain Akhtar made a strong statement by winning the IBSF World U17 Snooker Championship. He delivered a flawless performance in the final, defeating Wales’ Riley Powell with a dominant 4-0 scoreline.
Hasnain’s road to victory:
-
Quarterfinal: Defeated Mutasim Al Saadi of Oman 3-0.
-
Semifinal: Beat Oliwier Nizialek of Poland 4-1.
His consistent form and calm presence at the table earned him praise as one of the brightest young talents on the international snooker stage.
📍 A Proud Moment for Pakistan
The championships, hosted at the Crowne Plaza in Bahrain, featured players from 15 countries, providing a highly competitive atmosphere. Pakistan’s dual success in both the senior and junior categories is a rare and commendable achievement.
This outstanding performance highlights:
-
The growing talent pool in Pakistan’s snooker scene.
-
The importance of continued support and development for cue sports in the country.
-
A bright future, with players like Hasnain poised to carry forward the legacy of champions like Asif.
🌍 Global Recognition, Local Inspiration
These victories not only bring international recognition but also inspire young athletes back home to pursue excellence in snooker and beyond. As cue sports gain momentum in Pakistan, moments like these serve as powerful reminders of the country’s potential on the world stage.
