The sensational success of Soung Pheary, the female Cambodian cueist whose potting skills on the green baize in South Korea caused such a storm last year, has now led to the formation of the Kingdom’s snooker federation, which was recognised by the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia on Friday.

Born in Soung, Tbong Khmum province, Soung Pheary won the Korean snooker championship back to back in 2015 and 2016 to add to multiple titles and awards during her nearly eight-year stay in the country with her supportive Korean husband.

The credit for publicising Pheary’s remarkable run of success in a sport very few Cambodian women competitively pursue was rightly given to Cambodia’s Ambassador to Korea Long Dimanache through social media.

After months of sustained efforts to create a structured platform for this popular sport, the Cambodia Billiards and Snooker Federation has now taken shape with Chum Kosal named as its president.

Duong Leang, Sao Vorleak and Moun Mara are vice-presidents.

The secretary-general of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia, Vath Chamroeun, announced their official recognition of the federation, indicating that snooker could be added as a medal sport in the 2023 SEA Games Cambodia will be hosting.

During this historic occasion, the NOCC lauded Soung Pheary and presented her an appreciation plaque.

The new president of the federation Visal said Pheary’s successes in South Korea should help inspire the next generation of snooker players in the Kingdom.

“We will do all we can to develop this sport and encourage more and more people to take it up. We also plan to organise competitive events on a regular basis,” president Visal said.

Meanwhile, Lt Gen Hun Manet, the eldest son of Prime Minister Hun Sen and Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, made a personal donation of $10,000 to the snooker federation.