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