Sangeeta Hemchand commended all for the Markers Tourney
I am sorry I am sending this
a bit late but I really needed to say a few words about this unique
tournament. When Mr. Iqbal Khakhu (the
main man to get this tournament off the ground to such a grand
success) contacted me, I was a bit skeptical. I wanted it
to happen as the Markers are the main ones behind our games. They
watch and guide us and give us tips. They tirelessly replace the
balls at the table, give rests, and keep the tables in proper
working order, look after the cues and many of them play with us.
often they don’t have money to take part in tournaments though some
of them are exceptional players like Hari Jivan from Willingdon
Sports Club who ultimately won the tournament.
One should watch him play.
Even
Yasin Merchant
was full of praise for him. Though he has arthritis and failing
eyesight, his knowledge of the game is such that he was able to beat
the younger markers in the field. He proved Mr. Khakhu right when he
was nominated top seed of the tournament as he went to win the
tournament.
I am proud to say that the
other markers and I coaxed him to play the tournament. Besides the
prize money he collected our club members were so proud and
appreciative of him that they got together and collected an equal
sum or more so it got the ball rolling to be appreciative of them. I
hope such unique tournaments become a regular feature.
At least when such unique
tournaments are held, it might again build the interest in Cue
sports and more players can enter the fray. It is such a lovely
sport and this time even the media gave very good coverage to this
tournament. Our sport has generated so many medals and laurels for
the country so it is sad that we are given a step motherly treatment
and so few tournaments are held. It is we players who need to take
the initiative now.
I am also deeply thankful
that Islam Gym honoured veteran snooker player Mr. Tony Monteiro
with a lifetime achievement award. He has given his life to this
sport and mostly his efforts have gone unrecognized. His idea of the
game is remarkable and in his heydays I am told was a tremendous
player to watch. He has improved the game of many a player and he
yet coaches at the Islam Gym, Willingdon Sports Club and the Cricket
Club of India. Therefore I am glad he got the award and recognition
for his efforts.
Islam Gym also honoured Mr.
Pradip Vijayakar of Times of India for his unfailing support to the
Cue sports. Mr. Don Monteiro the media coordinator, Mr. Awasthi of
Indian Express, Mr. Gordon D’Costa of Hindustan Times, the Asian
Age, and the Afternoon covered the tournament beautifully and wrote
heart rending stories about the markers which all lovers of cue
sports must have appreciated.
Let me end now by thanking
all those associated with this tournament. Mr. Iqbal Khakhu who
initiated it and worked tirelessly right from the beginning to the
end. Mr. Yusuf Abrahani, Mr. Michael Ferreira, Mr. Behli Aga, Mr.
Yasin Merchant,
Mr. Chandu Shah, Mr. Nagi, The Players Association and a few people
who wish to remain anonymous who contributed in cash to make this
tournament a grand success. The uniqueness of this tournament was
that all the 64 players got participation money. The last 56 got a
cash prize of Rs.500/- which was commendable. I would also like to
thank Ms.
Meenal Thakur
for her tireless efforts and coming everyday to help out. And
last but not the least
to all the snooker players at the Islam Gym who gave up their club
tables so the tournament could be held.
Well I end now hoping that
more tournaments are held and we take this sport forward instead of
letting it die out.
Thanks
- Sangeeta.
Mumbai - India :: 5th August 2007
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