Valika regrets loss of form of cueists

KARACHI: The Chairman of the Pakistan Billiard & Snooker Association (PBSA), Ali Asghar Valika, has regretted the loss of form of some of the top cueists of the country and hoped that efforts will be made to keep them motivated and inspired.

“In the next Board meeting I will propose to the PBSA Executive to take measures to ensure that the once leading cueists of the country continue performing more consistently,” he disclosed while talking to ‘The News’ here at the Karachi Club on Thursday.

“It really concerned me that the cueists of the caliber of Muhammad Sajjad and Shahid Aftab, both former champions, were just a shadow of their former selves during the just concluded Jubilee Insurance 43rd National Snooker Championship 2018 held at the Karachi Gymkhana,” the PBSA Chairman remarked.

“Sadly I was not impressed with the performance of the eventual champion (Muhammad Asif) either. He couldn’t reproduce the form which had made him the world champion in 2012,” Asghar Valika, who served as the PBSA President from 1988 to 2008, reckoned.

“Cueists like Asif, Sajjad and Shahid had come into prominence when I was heading the Association. They had shown flashes of brilliance in early career and we took care of them to boost their confidence and skills. They have repaid by having performed well internationally over the years but now some chinks in their armoury are becoming visible,” he added.

“Now the time has come for the management to talk to them and take care of their needs. Personally I feel that they would become much more productive if mentored by prolific coaches. They are blessed with talent and experience but they do need guidance and direction,” the PBSA Chairman explained.

“While it’s very heartening that the youngsters are emerging from every nook and corner of the country to challenge the top cueists of the country but we must not lose sight of the fact that the current lot of experienced cueists have brought us laurels in the recent past. They deserve to be looked after properly,” Asghar Valika felt.He was optimistic that the present leadership of the PBSA, which was eager to further promote cue sports in the country, will take remedial measures without further delay.