Pakistan is set to establish a dedicated snooker academy on the request of world champion Muhammad Asif, marking a significant step toward strengthening cue sports infrastructure in the country. The initiative emerged after Asif and fellow snooker star Asjad Iqbal met with Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan.
During the meeting, Rana Mashhood congratulated the players for their recent triumph at the IBSF Snooker World Cup Team Championship, praising their contribution to Pakistan’s international sports profile. Their victory has reignited discussion about long-term investment in cue sports, which has consistently produced world-class talent but has struggled with institutional support.
Mashhood assured the players that he would facilitate a meeting with the prime minister, adding that the government intends to formally recognise their achievements. He confirmed that the players will be rewarded for bringing honour to the country, while plans to build a snooker academy will be moved forward as part of sport development initiatives.
Muhammad Asif, a two-time world champion, has long advocated for a structured training system that could help emerging players reach international standards. His repeated calls for a national academy have highlighted the gap between Pakistan’s individual talent and its limited sports infrastructure. With this commitment, the government now appears ready to respond to concerns raised by players and fans alike.
The proposed academy is expected to offer training facilities, coaching programmes and development opportunities for young athletes, expanding access to professional-level sport beyond major urban areas. The move could help nurture future champions and improve Pakistan’s competitiveness in global tournaments.
Meanwhile, para-athlete and disabled gold medalist Shahzad Butt also met with Rana Mashhood during the session. The chairman acknowledged his achievements and reiterated the programme’s commitment to supporting athletes across different sporting disciplines.
The decision to establish a snooker academy aligns with wider efforts to elevate sports in Pakistan through investment, recognition and structured development. For snooker, a sport that has produced multiple world champions despite minimal resources, the proposed facility represents a long-awaited milestone.
