The Joker in the World of Snooker
Sultan Aljoakar is considered one of the prominent figures in the UAE Billiards and Snooker Association, playing a pivotal role in organizing and managing tournaments. One of his notable achievements was organizing the Arab Snooker Cup in Dubai in 2019, which was named the “Tolerance Championship.” The tournament stood out for the participation of an elite group of Arab players, with Al Joker responsible for the organization and supervision of the competitions. His efforts contributed to the crowning of the winners, including Emirati Mohamed Mustafa Shehab, who secured the gold medal.
A Career Spanning Decades
Sultan Aljoakar has been associated with the sports of billiards and snooker for over 30 years, having begun his journey with the establishment of the federation in 1988. Throughout this period, he held several administrative positions, most notably serving as the Secretary General for 12 years. He contributed to major achievements, including helping the UAE win 109 medals across Gulf, Arab, and Asian championships up until 2016.
Leadership and Development
Aljoakar was not merely an administrator within the federation; he had a direct impact on the development of snooker and billiards in the UAE. Thanks to his efforts, the sports rose to highly competitive levels, and through his role as Secretary General, he succeeded in enhancing the UAE’s status as a prominent sporting destination in this field.
Notable Tournaments and Organized Excellence
Aljoakar contributed to hosting numerous major tournaments, such as the Arab Snooker Cup in Dubai in 2019, along with overseeing other local and regional championships. These events reinforced the UAE’s status as one of the leading countries in hosting major sporting tournaments.
His Vision for the Game
In his previous statements, Aljoakar emphasized the importance of high competitiveness in the game, stressing that the variety of results reflects the strength of the competition. He also highlighted the need to raise the UAE flag in international sports events, a vision that aligns with the nation’s aspirations for sporting excellence.
Football Beginnings: From Behind the Goal to Stardom
Before becoming a prominent name in snooker, Aljoakar was a talented football player, beginning his journey in the 1960s. He grew up in the Deira district of Dubai, where he played in the streets and sandy fields. Despite his small stature at first, he proved himself as a talented player, earning him the opportunity to play with older players.
Childhood Memories and the Sandy Pitch
Aljoakar’s football beginnings were with his friends in the neighborhood, where he frequented the old high school field in the Naif area, which later became a park. There, he learned the fundamentals of the game and began honing his skills, eventually becoming one of the standout players noticed by local clubs.
His Career with Al Shabab Club
Aljoakar joined Al Shabab Arab Club in the late 1950s, where he excelled as a midfielder and defender. Over time, he became one of the key pillars of the team before moving to Al Nasr Club for a short period, where he played only one match before returning to Al Shabab at the request of his teammates.
Professional Career and Club Transfers
Aljoakar later moved to Al Khaleej Club, where he played for several years and participated in many intense matches, including against Arab teams such as Al Rayyan of Qatar and Ismaily of Egypt. He also received invitations to play with teams outside of the UAE, including the Kuwaiti Army team.
His Final Experience with Al Wasl
After the merger of Al Najah Club with Al Ahli in 1974, Aljoakar decided to end his football career at Al Wasl Club, despite his affiliation with Al Ahli. This period marked the conclusion of his football journey, which spanned several decades of dedication and excellence.
Unforgettable Moments
Among the memories that Aljoakar still recalls is an incident during his time playing with Al Khaleej against Al Nasr. After scoring a goal against Al Nasr, a fan of the team, who had previously gifted him a jacket, came to ask for it back as a protest for scoring the goal!
A Rich Sporting Legacy
Whether in snooker or football, Sultan Aljoakar was a prominent sports figure who made a significant impact on the UAE’s sports scene. From organizing major snooker tournaments to shining as a football player in the 60s and 70s, Aljoakar left an unforgettable mark in the world of sports, ensuring his name remains etched in the history of UAE sports.
