Pakistan is set to announce its snooker squad for the Asian Games. —Photo by White Star (F
Pakistan is set to announce its snooker squad for the Asian Games. —Photo by White Star (File)
KARACHI The Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association (PBSA) suffered a severe blow on Friday when the government refused to grant permission to an Indian coach to train the cueists in preparation for the two upcoming international assignments -- Asian Games at Guangzhou and World snooker at Damascus.

“The Ministry of Interior has regretted to issue No-Objection Certificate (NOC) to hire Indian coach Sanjay Sawant,” Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) said in a communication released to newsmen by the PBSA.

Referring to the Ministry of Sports letter dated Sept 30, 2010, it says “The matter has been examined in consultation with ministries of interior and foreign affairs and the former has regretted issuance of NOC in this case.”

Earlier, the PBSA has sent a proposal to the PSB dated July 30, 2010 seeking an NOC to hire the Indian coach and a proposed budget of Rs1.5 million for three stints including air travel, accommodation, meals in addition to boarding and lodging of cueists in camp.

Meanwhile, the president and executive committee of the PBSA has expressed disappointment on the refusal of NOC.

Opinion

Editorial

Time for restraint
Updated 26 Apr, 2025

Time for restraint

Neither Pakistan nor India can afford another war. It is time again to give diplomacy a chance.
A wise decision
26 Apr, 2025

A wise decision

GOOD sense seems to have finally prevailed, with the federal government deferring the planned canal projects,...
‘Fake’ Pakistanis
26 Apr, 2025

‘Fake’ Pakistanis

THE revelation is shocking. Hundreds of individuals holding Pakistani passports who were detained by the Saudi...
Wheat worries
25 Apr, 2025

Wheat worries

PUNJAB’S farmers are enraged. They are not getting what they call a fair price for their wheat harvest this year...
Ending rabies
25 Apr, 2025

Ending rabies

RABIES remains one of Pakistan’s most deadly, yet neglected public health crises. Across the country, hundreds die...