Billiards, snooker can have mass appeal: Advani

PANKAJ ADVANI SAID PLAYING CUE SPORTS DOESN’T REQUIRE THE SAME KIND OF INVESTMENT ONE REQUIRES TO PLAY OTHER SPORT.

MUMBAI: Despite the continuous success of Indian cueists at world stage, snooker and billiards have remained elite sports in India with its reach limited to big cities.

However, cue sports legend Pankaj Advani blames it on the wrong perception that people have developed about these games. In his view, cue sports have potential to be mass sports if they begin to be marketed properly and brought to the attention of Television audience frequently.

“I would blame it on people’s wrong perception. People think snooker and billiards are elite sports, but they are not. There is always an argument that you need to be a member of a club in order to play the game.

“You should ask the federation. They need to get sponsor. It doesn’t matter what I say. They must answer.

“Their job is to promote and bring it to television and make it more mass-friendly game. Only then this perception will break,” he said.

A GREAT HONOUR

The 32-year-old, who was recently conferred Padma Bhushan — India’s third highest civilian honour — was ecstatic at the recognition, saying it gave him a special feeling.

“It feels special to receive the third highest civilian honour from the Government of India. It’s wonderful to be recognised for your achievements. It’s a great honour.”