No Padma Bhushan for Pankaj Advani this year
The greatest cue player in the history of India, Pankaj Advani is snubbed once again for the Padma Bhushan award! Following this, he took to Twitter to vent out his frustration and ire at the government. The Sportsrush reviews this case where one of India’s favorite sons has been meted out with unfair treatment!
Padma Bhushan is the third highest civilian award in India and is announced every year on Republic Day. It is a matter of huge pride for Indians who receive this award for making their country proud. Hence, it is only fair for Pankaj Advani to make his displeasure evident to the world.
Pankaj Advani takes to Twitter
A normally soft spoken Advani vented his anger through Twitter. He believes that though he has made India proud at numerous instances, he always gets overlooked for his achievements. Surprisingly, the Billiards and Snooker Federation of India (BSFI) as well as the Government of Karnataka recommended him for the honour .
Pankaj Advani has been prolific for India in billiards. 16 world titles and 28 national titles are sufficient to display his pedigree in the sport. Therefore, his ire at the government is justified for repeatedly overlooking his phenomenal talent.
The entire story
Even after a multitude of titles, Pankaj Advani has never complained. However, things changed when India’s sports minister Vijay Goel congratulated him on his latest victory in the National Billiards championship. He blurted out his emotions in a truly emotional outburst. BSFI secretary S Balasubramaniam has also expressed his sadness at the snub.
Interestingly, Pankaj Advani had previously raised questions about India’s sporting culture where some sports gain excess fanfare and recognition over others. His brother Shree also believed that there exists a tunnel-vision towards cricket and Olympic sports among Indian decision makers.
Though Pankaj Advani is a Padma Shri and Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award recipient, he certainly deserves the Padma Bhushan. Its high time that the Government got their act together and give the man the credit which he so truly deserves!
