After Arjuna Award, Rupesh Shah wants youngsters to continue India's rich legacy

In his younger days, Rupesh Shah admired the way cue sports legend Geet Sethi asserted his domination at the world level. His remarkable consistency appealed Shah and he dreamt of emulating Sethi's exploits. Inspired by his astonishing nine world titles, Shah, who learned the tricks of the trade under Sethi's able guidance in Ahmedabad made his master proud by being nominated for the prestigious Arjuna Award on Monday.

Having missed out on the award despite winning the World Championship title in 2007, Shah was particularly confident this time around thanks to his overwhelming performance in the last 12 months. The 40-year-old bagged his second World Championship crown by registering a comprehensive 6-2 victory over Australia’s Matthew Bolton. Earlier, in the tournament held in Leeds, he defeated defending champion Mike Russell and Peter Gilchrist. "I was nervous before the announcement but at the same time confident of getting the prestigious award this time as I had won the World Championship title again and I felt that I deserved to win the award," said Shah.

Fondly known as "Rupla" in the circuit, he backed up his World Championship crown with the Asian Billiards title win 6-4 over compatriot Alok Kumar in Indore earlier this year. "I have worked really hard on my game in the last five years and been focused right throughout. It feels really great when all the hard work you put in rebound with successful results."

Shah added that he would like to dedicate the award to Geet. "He has been an inspirational figure right from the childhood age. It is thanks to him that Gujarat is doing well in cue sports. He has helped me right throughout and I would like to dedicate this award to him."

While his Arjuna Award is yet another feather in India's rich cue sports history, Shah wants youngsters to carry on the legacy. "We have produced great results in billiards. We had Geet Sethi, then Pankaj Advani took over and then my two titles. I want youngsters to carry on this legacy. India have been a traditional powerhouse in the sport and that should not stop."

Ahmedabad :: 15 August 2013