A large Indian contingent, including cueists, officials and referees are here to participate in the World event after much persuasion by the Pakistan and Indian Billiards and Snooker Federations.
"Honestly speaking I was very worried about coming to Pakistan and Karachi having heard so many things about it and also because of the relations between the two countries," Chitra said in an interview.
Cueists from around 17 countries have come to Karachi for the world event being held at a five-star hotel where the participating players and officials have been provided boarding and lodging as well.
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"They have come in full force and we wanted them to come because Chitra and Pankaj Advani are defending the eight red ball world titles in individual categories," he said.
Sheikh said since the championship will run till August 15 shopping, sightseeing and other tours are being planned for the delegates but for the time being security officials have restricted them to the hotel.
"In a way it is okay with us because we feel safe in such a secure environment and it allows us to focus totally on our game," Chitra said.