By: Our Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Cuesports comprises of billiards, carom, snooker and pool which is gaining global popularity day by day. Pakistan is actively participating only in snooker and have won many international titles. Among those players bringing laurel to the nation, Shahram Changezi is the only player who has won 3 internationally accredited medals and also participating in pool events internationally.
After participation in US Open 9 Ball Pool championship held in Atlantic City, USA in Sep 2021, Shahram became the only Pakistani player to have been enlisted in World Pool Fargo Ratings standing on rating 694.
Shahram participated in UK Open 9 Ball Pool Championship held during May 2022 in Copperbox Arena London, England. The tournament featured world’s best 256 players among which Shahram Changezi was the only Pakistani cueist. In reply to a question Shahram said “9 Ball Pool is played around the world and is most popular game among cuesports. Unfortunately, there is no pool events organized in Pakistan by either federation or private club owners. My aim is to make this game equally popular and important like snooker in Pakistan.”
There are numerous pool events that take place throughout the year around the world. World Cup of Pool is a prestigious pool event organized once a year and top 32 nations of the world participate in this event. 2 players from each country team up and participate in World Cup of Pool as a team. “To qualify for World Cup of Pool, I want one more player like me who is actively playing pool events globally. My ultimate goal is to participate in World Cup of Pool and eventually lifting the title. Hopefully Pakistan Billiard and Snooker Association will start organizing local pool events to find the talent to team up with me for World Cup of Pool. I am participating in international pool events in my personal capacity at the moment. I am really thankful to local business community who always come forward and extend the offers of sponsorships for my participation in international events.” Shahram said.
Sports is a trillion dollar industry which can change the economic condition of any country. Usain Bolt has become a factor for Jamaica’s Tourism. Such can be the heroes in Pakistan that can have substantial positive impact on Pakistan’s economy if we focus and invest on professional sports without any delay.
