The Hindu : Sport : Vidya’s plea to State Government

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Wednesday, Dec 10, 2008
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Vidya’s plea to State Government

Sports Reporter

Chennai: “I’m the first woman in India to win five National titles in cue sports. I think I deserve some recognition from the State Government,” said Vidya Pillai, who recently defended her National Ladies’ snooker title at Indore. She was speaking at a press conference organised by the Tamil Nadu Billiards and Snooker Association here on Tuesday.

“The TNBSA has felicitated Vidya, as well as Neena Praveen, who came third in the Ladies’ snooker Nationals, and Varun Kumar, who entered the last 32 of the men’s snooker. But our resources aren’t enough to sustain their careers,” said TNBSA Treasurer Sundar Iyer.

“We request the State government and sponsors to come forward to assist us. Right now, whatever sponsorship we get is only tournament-specific, and not for individual players.”

Additionally, Mr. Iyer said that the TNBSA also required a fillip in terms of infrastructure.

“We simply don’t have space. In contrast, the Karnataka State Billiards Association was given land by the Karnataka Government in the late 70s, about 12-16 grounds in the heart of Bangalore. They now have the infrastructure to host the World championships, as they did this year.”

Vidya added, “We have only three snooker tables, and no pool tables at the TNBSA premises. There simply isn’t space for adding pool tables and Chennai has only one facility where we can practise pool. The Indoor Asian Games is coming up next November in Vietnam and whoever qualifies for 9-ball pool will have a hard time preparing. The only preparation will be during the 10-day training camp before the event.”

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