Snooker gains popularity in Kashmir Valley

Srinagar, May 31: With sports finding a fresh lease of life in the Kashmir Valley, the game of snooker is gaining popularity among Kashmiri youth. This is evident from the large number of billiard and snooker clubs that have mushroomed in the region. Kashmir youngsters visit these parlours quite frequently to play snooker at reasonable rates.

"Snooker is a good game. Earlier, the valley people lacked interest in games due to the fear of militancy. But now, they have developed an interest in games like snooker. It used to be a royal game in earlier times, but now all locals play this game," said Mudasir Ahmed, the Manager of Colour Balls, a snooker club. He said that around 50 to 60 youngsters visit his club daily to play snooker.

"In earlier times, people didn't have much knowledge about it as it was only for royals. But today, a number of people come to play this game. This game helps youth to refrain from bad habits. It helps in mental relaxation," said Javid Ahmed, a young cueist.

"In Kashmir, people were not sure whether a person who has gone out of his house will come back or not but today that's not the case. Kashmir is free and open now. So, anybody can play this game. It not only de-stresses the mind and body, but also makes us adroit in the game," said Adil, another snooker enthusiast. By Afzal Bhat

ANI