Mumbai, Aug 31 (IANS) Asian snooker champion Aditya Mehta Friday said he was thrilled to receive the Arjuna Award and hoped that snooker would now be included in the National Games.
The 26-year-old said: “I am pleased at being a recipient of this prestigious award. This is not just an achievement for me but also for the sport itself. This gesture of the ministry is a huge boost for the sport and an encouraging push for me too.
“Snooker is finally getting its due recognition and is growing popular in the country at a good pace. Hopefully this would lead to the inclusion of snooker in the National Games.”
Mehta, who has earned a two-year card on the Snooker Professional Circuit, is aiming to break into the top 64 during his stint at the world circuit.
“My pro-season is going very well too as I’ve made it to the Venue Stages in the International Open recently which is one of the biggest tournaments in the professional snooker calendar,” added Mehta.
