BENGALURU: Pankaj Advani is not a paparazzi magnet. He does not endorse colas, shaving gels or deodorants. You do not see him playing the celebrity at social events but then he does not need to. His achievements speak for him. Along with cueist Kamal Chawla, Advani registered a fluent win on the second day of the IBSF World Snooker Championship in Bengaluru on Thursday. Considered the leading light of cue sports today, he is the favourite to win his 13th world title. At the age of 29, Advani is an Arjuna and a Padma Shri awardee, the winner of Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and by the look of things, is just warming up.
In a chat with City Express, Advani talks about his life in the spotlight, the hunger for excellence that drives him, the role Bengaluru has played in his success and more.
Has the media downplayed his achievements?
I think, the media has done a fantastic job of covering my performances and achievements. In general, there is a palpable change in the attitude of Indians. We are now more appreciative and supportive of accomplishment over popularity. India is a force to reckon with in global sports and we have proven it over and over again. It is heartening to receive such love and adulation from well-wishers.
Those who shaped his journey
I would like to attribute my success from an infrastructure and support perspective to the Karnataka State Billiards Association, my second home. They have given me an honorary life membership too. The Billiards and Snooker Federation of India is the national governing body and they too have been highly supportive throughout my journey. Regarding financial support, the Central Government and my employer ONGC are the ones who have helped out. Bengaluru in general is a sports-loving city. My coach, Arvind Savur, is also from the city. Without him I wouldn't be half the player I am today. I must also mention my Alma Maters Frank Anthony Public School and Jain University for their unconditional support during the nascent stages of my sporting career — a time when I needed it the most.
I remember how the Chairman of my college, Chenraj Jain, saw me on campus one day and almost reprimanded me! He said, "Pankaj, what are you doing here? You should be at the KSBA practising your game!" Need I say more?
What keeps him going after so much success?
At different stages of my career I have had different goals. Early on, it was to win an Asian title. Surprisingly, a world title came sooner (in 2003). That was in snooker. Then I wanted to win a world title in billiards, which happened in 2005 (a Grand Double — both short and long formats in the same year, first in the world). After that, I just wanted to keep winning. This year my approach changed. All I set out to do was to attain mastery. That is a long road ahead. But I know that's what will keep me going. I have gone beyond outcomes and now only look to excel in both sports — billiards and snooker. My ambition is to do well in the next tournament. That's how I function. I like to live in the moment. I take one championship at a time; one match at a time.
The role his brother, a sports psychologist, has played
Shree has helped me believe in myself a lot more. As human beings, we all tend to doubt ourselves and doubt is nothing but poison to performance. Shree was also a national level player so he understands the game inside out, which is a big bonus. We discuss tactical and psychological aspects of both sports and brainstorm a lot. He comes up with quick solutions and interacting with him provides immense clarity.
Mentoring young cueists
I have been involved in minor coaching stints and interactive sessions with aspiring cueists. I am always open to help in whatever way I can, although it is a challenge to dedicate much time as I am competing in two sports throughout the year, every year.
Leisure
I travel a lot for billiards and snooker therefore I barely do so for leisure. However, last year I went to Las Vegas and Goa and they were fun. I love movies and cannot wait to watch Interstellar. I'm a big Christopher Nolan fan.