KARACHI: Pakistan was deprived of a possible opportunity to clinch a medal in the upcoming 15th Asian unde-21 snooker championship scheduled to commence in Mohali on April 4 as the Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Federation (PBSF) Indian counterparts expressed regret over non-issuance of visas due to minister’s occupation in national elections.

A four-member Pakistan team comprising last year’s runner-up and national junior champion Mohammad Majid Ali, Haris Nadeem, Amir Tariq and Hamza Akbar were set to feature in the event across the border.

The players had been undergoing training in a camp since March 20 that was set up at the PSB Sports Complex in Islamabad. The camp ended on Saturday after receiving the regret.

The PBSF has expressed disappointment over refusal of clearance and visas by India despite submission of passports to the Indian Embassy and said it will lodge an official protest in the Asian Confederation of Billiards Sports (ACBS) moot being held at Fujairah, UAE, in the near future.