Karachi, Pakistan – The NBP 50th National Snooker Championship officially commenced on January 13 at the NBP Sports Complex, marking a major milestone in the history of snooker in Pakistan. The prestigious event was inaugurated through a press conference held at Muslim Gymkhana Karachi, attended by prominent figures from the sports and banking sectors. The championship is being organized under the aegis of the Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association, with National Bank of Pakistan continuing its long-standing role as the title sponsor.
The press conference was led by PBSA President Mr. Abdul Qadir Memon, who expressed appreciation for NBP’s consistent support for snooker over the years. He acknowledged the bank’s contribution to the development and continuity of the national championship, stating that NBP has played a crucial role in sustaining the sport at the national level. He emphasized that such partnerships are vital for nurturing talent and providing players with competitive platforms.
Several notable personalities were present at the ceremony, including Sher Muhammad, Senior Vice President and Head of NBP’s Sports Wing, Muhammad Farhan from NBP Sports, Naveed Kapadia, Tournament Director and Secretary of PBSA, Hussain Haroon, Chief Patron Muslim Gymkhana, Alamgir Shaikh, Past President, and Mir Mubashir Ibrahim, Patron Muslim Gymkhana. Their presence highlighted the collaborative effort between sports institutions and corporate entities in promoting snooker across the country.
In his address, Mr. Abdul Qadir Memon highlighted that National Bank of Pakistan has been supporting the National Snooker Championship for the past 16 years. He expressed satisfaction over the continuation of this partnership, noting that consistent sponsorship has helped raise the standard of competition and encouraged players to pursue the sport professionally.
The total prize money for the championship has been fixed at Rs 1.6 million, making it one of the most lucrative snooker events in the country. The winner of the tournament will receive Rs 350,000, while the runner-up will be awarded Rs 200,000. The semi-finalists will each receive Rs 150,000, and the quarter-finalists will collectively receive Rs 160,000. The attractive prize structure is expected to further motivate players to deliver high-level performances throughout the tournament.
This year’s championship features 48 top players from across Pakistan, divided into 12 groups. The top two players from each group will qualify for the knockout stage, intensifying competition as the tournament progresses. The final will be played in a best-of-11 frames format, promising a thrilling contest between the country’s finest cueists.
Defending champion Shahid Aftab will be competing to retain his title, adding further excitement and anticipation to the event. His participation is expected to draw significant attention from fans and fellow competitors alike.
Speaking on the occasion, Sher Muhammad, Senior Vice President of NBP, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting snooker and other sports in Pakistan. He stated that NBP’s partnership with PBSA reflects its broader mission to promote national talent and encourage sporting excellence. The championship is expected to attract large audiences and extensive media coverage as Pakistan’s leading snooker players compete for the coveted national title.
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