PAKISTAN’S Mohammad Asif became the world snooker champion after defeating Gary Wilson of Britain after a long and thrilling final of the world snooker championship in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Asif, who became the second Pakistani to win the world snooker title after Mohammad Yousuf, was given a hero’s welcome when he landed at Karachi airport. He helped Pakistan regain the title after 18 years.

Despite hard circumstances and limited resources Asif’s successful journey is a good lesson for our young generation.

Despite lack of government support and without a coach and manager, Asif won the world title.

He is, however, still jobless and running a small snooker club in front of his house.

After the government’s refusal and lack of support, the local snooker association collected funds for his journey and provided him necessary assistance.

Unfortunately, due to popularity of cricket in Pakistan, the government is not able to encourage other sports. Owing to lack of government support, poor training facilities, financial woes, several talented sportsmen like Asif are not able to continue their successful journey of sports. This is unfortunate.

Apart from cricket, the government must extend every possible help to other young and talented sportsmen to enable them to achieve glory in their respective sport.

KHAWAJA UMER FAROOQ Jeddah