Many Palanpuris have excelled in their chosen fields, and more than a few have scaled to the very peak of success in their careers. Business, diplomacy, science and medicine, humanities, the arts, there are notable achievers in each of these fields. Sports remained, by and large, one unconquered area, but the newer generation has begun to make its mark in that field as well. Aditya Mehta’s recent triumph in the Asian Snooker championships last month – only the third Indian to do so, makes him the first sportsperson from the community to have won an individual international title, and adds to earlier achievements in the field when as a member of the Indian team or individually , he has brought honours to the country. Mehta’s winning spree has continued since then, as he has picked up titles in two more domestic tournaments this month. As Asian champion, he has earned a direct two-year card (2012-13 and 2013-14) to participate in the world professional snooker circuit As he sets out on a new, and more challenging phase of his career, Palanpur Online Editor, Stephen Rego, met up with Aditya Mehta to discuss the new challenges he will face. In a frank discussion, Mehta talks about his introduction to the sport, the times he almost gave up, his determination and ultimate success, as well as the lack of funding for sportsmen in fields like the one he has chosen for his life.
Holding the Asian Snooker trophy
The Asian Snooker Title was your first international triumph. How does it feel to achieve what only two other Indians have achieved before you? It’s a great honour to be part of an elite group of players to have achieved something special for the country. After having lost out in two previous finals, the win felt much sweeter. I learnt a lot from those defeats and I kept getting stronger on the table as well as in my mind. You have also represented the country at a number of prestigious events. How does it feel compared to the tournaments where you take part as an individual? It’s a different feeling when you play events like the Asian Games and championships. The pressure multiplies ten-fold. But I have won three Asian Games medals for India so I proved I can handle any sort of pressure. It’s how you prepare yourself mentally. Once you get in that zone, it’s all the same. It’s just you and the table. Currently you are also participating in the Pro circuit? How is this different from taking part in the ‘amateur’ events in India and abroad? It’s a totally different league. The competition is much, much tougher and it’s all knockout, unlike amateur events where you get to play 4-5 group games. There you must be at your best from the first shot. It’s been a huge learning curve and the experience there is the only reason for my success over the past two years. How did you first get introduced to Snooker? At what stage did you decide that you wanted to make it your career? I started playing when I was 12 when my dad started coaching me at the club. I've had a long hard road and I wasn't sure how far I'd get. But whenever I had doubts, something great would happen and bring me back. I guess its destiny. The ups and downs have been quite incredible. I think I only started seeing this as a career a few years ago. I don't see myself doing anything else now.
Indian team that won silver medal at Asian Games
Tell us a bit about the regular practice regime that you follow? My daily routine sees me practice from 10 am to 6 pm. It varies based on my travel and tournament schedule. In England, I practice with a lot of top professionals. I also try to include a fitness regiment which includes mainly cardio and yoga. What are your aims and ambitions? I want to be amongst the top professionals in the world. In the next couple years I hope to break into the top 64 of the world, something no Indian has achieved. The five-year goal would be to get closer to the top 32. Share some of the challenges that you face…. Funding is the biggest challenge I face in playing professionally. Living away from home for 10 months of the year is not easy but I have gotten used to that. My family is very supportive of my choice and they help me as much as they can. I just need to stay motivated and keep working hard. A word of advice for aspiring sportspersons from the community. Just follow your heart and don't be afraid to take risks. If you find something you love to do, give it everything you have and never give up. And remember to be yourself.
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