Champion potshot
PAROMITA PAIN
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For Raunaq Vazirani, snooker is easily his first love.
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PHOTO: K.V. SRINIVASAN
VAZIRANI: Winner all the way.
Raunaq Vazirani is the only player in India to qualify in all the three categories (Junior, Sub-junior and Senior category) for both Billiards and Snooker in the National Billiards and Snookers Championship - 2006 and win it too. Raunaq was born in Bangalore but grew up in Ahmedabad. "I was exposed to snooker by my father when I was very young and since then there has been no turning back. I have lots of friends in Ahmedabad and love the city, " he says. He started playing Snooker and Billiards from 2002. He played the Club Tournament for the first time and finished as a runner -up in 2002. The first competitive game is an occasion to remember in any professional's life. Raunaq's match was at the Raajpath Club but he wasn't nervous at all. "I just went ahead and did what I love doing — play snooker," he remembers.
But a hectic schedule does not mean missing out on school and not doing homework. "I study in Std. XI in the Tulip International School. School is great fun and I never miss school, despite my practice. Friends in school are great and we have a wonderful time when we are together. Besides my favourite game, snooker, I also enjoy playing cricket and volleyball in school. I love all sports. It keeps me fit, focussed and even helps in concentrating on my studies. I am the school Sports Captain too," he says.
Hooked!
Teachers are supportive and Raunaq says, "I like all my teachers though I know, I trouble them with my mischief but my guru is Arvind Savar. He is my true mentor." Balancing sports and studies is hectic, but Raunaq says, "With good luck and a supportive school I somehow sail through."
Raunaq's childhood wasn't remarkable though it included a lot of snooker and he insists he is still as naughty as he was then. He watched his father and brother playing in the club and got hooked. Besides snooker he likes playing cricket, volleyball, kabbadi and kho-kho, among other games. "I wish there were no studies and only sports, so that we could play the whole day and have no exams to take," is his fervent wish.
He enjoys competition and says, "Competition is fun. It never makes me nervous. I work very hard to perfect my game and when it comes to matches, I give it my best."Supported by his parents and school who have always "encouraged me to play my game even better," Raunaq's plans for the future are ambitious. He wants to be a professional in the snooker/billiard circuit and play with champions at international championships. What shall certainly see him through is his confidence in the belief that "day is not very far."
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