Pankaj's next target is Asian Games gold

Bangalore, Aug 31 (UNI) Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna awardee Pankaj Advani's next target is to win a gold in the Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Doha in December.

Talking to newspersons here today, the ace cuisn said ''My next aim is to win gold in the Asian Games and a medal in the World Championship. I am taking one at a time. There will be a tough fight in the Asian Games and so I am concentrating on improving my performance.'' To a question, he said he was giving equal importance to billiards too.

The 21-year-old player said he was too excited after getting communication about the Khel Ratna award from the Rashtrapathi Bhavan during the ISBF tournament in San Jose, USA, in which Indian 'A' Junior Team finished runner up.

''The award has added to my responsibility to perform well in future tournaments and bring more laurels to the country,'' he added.

Earlier, Pankaj was given a rousing welcome here. He was brought from the airport in an open jeep and given traditional welcome as he entered KSBA.

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