Karachi, 12 March 2022 (TDI): Ahsan Ramzan, a 16-year-old snooker prodigy in Pakistan became the IBSF world snooker champion and urged the government and society to consider cueists as seriously as cricketers.
On Friday, Ahsan became the third Pakistani to win the IBSF world snooker title, defeating Iran’s Amir Sarkosh in a nail-biting final. This is the country’s fourth IBSF title overall since Mohammad Asif had won the tournament twice.
A moment of Pride for Pakistan 🇵🇰
Ahsan Ramzan a 16 years old Pakistani cuer won the International Billiards and Snooker Federation (IBSF) World (Men) Snooker Championship after overcoming Iran’s Amir Sarkosh 6-5 in the final on Friday. pic.twitter.com/SizZ01vHZT
— Pakistan High Commission Mauritius (@PakinMauritius) March 11, 2022
Ahsan after winning stated that “words are insufficient” to share his sentiments after becoming the world champion at the age of 16 years old.
“I can’t ask for more at this age. I can’t express my feelings in words. The feeling of being a world champion is something that only a sportsperson can feel or tell. I am thankful to Almighty Allah for this achievement,” he said.
Ahsan, who was placed 27th in the tournament, had defeated Mohammad Asif who was the defending champion in the semi-final before defeating Iran’s Sarkosh in the final.
After winning the semifinal on Thursday night, he was unable to keep his emotions under control. This morning, a photo of him crying while being held by Asif went viral on social media
Photo of the day: Young Pakistani cueist Ahaan Ramzan gets emotional after beating his senior and defending champion Mohammad Asif in semi final of IBSF World Snooker Championship. pic.twitter.com/CHKXWuNN2v
— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) March 11, 2022
Sharing some glimpses from his journey:
“It was the moment when I felt that I am heading towards becoming the world champion,” Ahsan spoke of the semifinal.
The cueist from Lahore explained that getting from the city’s tiny streets to the World Championship venue wasn’t simple.
“I started playing snooker at the age of 6 or 7. It wasn’t an easy sail for me to get out of my home first to the streets of my vicinity, then to main roads of my city and then play provincial and national championship before qualifying to get here,” he shared.
“People usually see just one player on a snooker table, but there’s a long struggle and journey behind that one player. I also want to thank everyone who supported and backed me, from my friends to club mates, from the club where I first played to PBSA; it wouldn’t have been possible without their unconditional support,” Ahsan stated.
Ahsan anticipated that his victory will help snooker gain recognition in Pakistan. “I want the government to support snooker; I want society to support snooker,” he stated.
“I wish that when I go back home, I also get the heroic welcome that any other world champion would receive, it is my wish that we — snooker players — also get the same treatment from the society that our cricketers receive from them,” he said in his final comment.
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