Bangalore: Asian Games' billiards gold medallist Pankaj Advani expressed his joy and pride in performing well for the nation at Doha.

"I am glad that I got the maximum — I mean the gold — in the only event I competed for my nation. It was the perfect sports atmosphere at Doha. It was a special feeling to be part of the sports village where nearly 10000 athletes were present. In the Word Championship and other events you are playing for yourself, of course the nation does come in but in the Asian Games and at the Olympics, nation comes first and everything else is secondary. It was a fantastic experience and I enjoyed it," Pankaj told the media on his arrival from Doha via Delhi.

Under pressure

Pankaj did concede that there was pressure in playing for the country. "There were loads and loads of pressure. For instance in my first round I was expected to defeat a Vietnamese player either at 3-0 or 3-1 but it went beyond that and I am grateful to my brother who helped me become mentally tough with his various exercises. Pankaj said.

On the final against Ashok Shandilya, Pankaj said: "We both knew each other's game well and with Ashok, you can never write him off at any stage of the game. Yes I was a bit worried about playing a tough opponent like him in the final but in the end it turned out well and Ashok was very gracious and after I won, he lifted me in joy and that showed his spirit."

Road ahead

And on the road ahead? "Well all I want to do is to get back home and sleep and sleep. I have practised very hard for the Asiad and now I want to rest for a while so I cannot discuss any long-term plans here. Of course we do have the Nationals here in January and I am looking forward to it," Pankaj said.

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