KARACHI, April 25: Pakistan is eagerly looking forward to restoring its image in the baize game globally when the 23rd Asian Snooker Championship takes place at a local five-star hotel from June 11 to 18.

“There’s enormous talent in the country and with the advantage of fielding eight cueists as hosts, the chances of winning glory appear brighter,” President, Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Federation (PBSA) Asghar Valika said on Wednesday.

He said so far 15 member nations of Asian Confederation of Billiards Sports (ACBS) have confirmed their participation as entry closes on Monday. “Though 31 countries are in the fold of ACBS, the turn out normally remains about 20-22,” he said.

Prominent countries which have confirmed their participation include India, Chinese Taipei, Singapore, Thailand, China, Korea, UAE besides the hosts.

The PBSA official said Malaysia has expressed regret due to some domestic problems. To a query he said hosting the event would cost PBSA around Rs 5 million. “PST is helping us in arranging sponsorship and co-sponsors,” he remarked.

This will be the fourth Asian Championship being held in Pakistan after 1991, 1998 and 2001. Pakistan also hosted the World Championship in 1993.

“True, the performance of cueists at Doha Asian Games was below par but what has the government done for the game except giving the sport an official recognition,” asked the ACBS adviser while referring to a letter of explanation from the Ministry of Sports received recently.

Valika, who has served ACBS President from 1994-2000, said following an embargo on tobacco firms in sports, PBSA was facing difficulties in finding private sponsors to keep the game alive. “The players need grooming and sending one player to England to improve his skills under foreign coach cost Rs 1.5 to Rs 2 million,” he added.

He proudly acknowledged that even without the government support, Pakistan made a mark in the game by capturing the World and Asian Championships in addition to winning gold, silver and bronze medals at Bangkok (1998) and Busan (2002) Asian Games.