'Hunger strike or Cricket' for due recognition

Bangalore, Sep 28: Close on the heels of the protest by hockey players belonging to the state against alleged 'stepmotherly attitude' by the authorities, World Billiards Champion Pankaj Advani has expressed displeasure over not being given due recognition by the State government despite winning the ISBF Billiards World title twice.

Speaking after being felicitated by the Karnataka State Billiards Association for retaining the ISBF World Billiards title in Singapore recently, the 22-year-old billiards champ said last night that apart from the world title, he had won a number other titles including Asian Games gold medal, but he was pained that the government had not bothered to recognise his achievements.

Four hockey players from Karnataka who were part of the Asia Cup winning Indian team, had decided to observe 'hunger strike' in front of Chief Minister's residence for 'step motherly' attitude after it announced cash reward to two cricketers, batsman Robin Uthappa and bowling coach Venkatesh Prasad after India won the Twenty-20 world cup in South Africa early this week.

Acting swiftly, the state government then announced Rs two lakh each to the hockey stars.

Pankaj sarcastically said ''does a sportsperson go on hunger strike to get recognition from the government or everybody should play only cricket to get due recognition.''

UNI