Facebook Blogging

Edward Hugh has a lively and enjoyable Facebook community where he publishes frequent breaking news economics links and short updates. If you would like to receive these updates on a regular basis and join the debate please invite Edward as a friend by clicking the Facebook link at the top of the right sidebar.

Saturday, October 25, 2003

Happy Diwali and Congratulations to Pankaj Advani

Happy Diwali to everyone. Also celebrating apparently will be young Indian billiards champ Pankaj Advani:

The Billiards and Snooker Federation of India (BSFI) today hailed the victory of teenager Pankaj Advani, at the world snooker championship as "terrific" and said the feat would encourage youngsters to take to the indoor sport in greater numbers. "Its a terrific and fantastic news. He has done all of us proud by winning the coveted title at such a raw age," BSFI President, P N Roy, said , a short while after the 19-year-old Advani got past Pakistan's Saleh Mohammad 11-6 in the final at Jiangmen in China. A visibly elated Roy said the BSFI's move to send Advani for training in England last month as part of preparations for the big event has paid rich dividends. "We will surely give him a grand welcome on his return from China," he said.
Source; Hindu News
LINK

Now all of this may appear somewhat frivolous, but that's not my take. Looking across the gambit of Indian sport, there is more than a smattering of 'old colonial' influence. I don't know whether Billiards was brought to India by the British (although they do tell me that it's more than likely the bagpipes arrived in Scotland at the end of a voyage which started in India), but imagining that it was: is this a good, or a bad thing for India? I, personally, have no idea. I don't like billards. Second question: Advani was apparently sent to England for training by the BSFI, was this a good or a bad move on their part? Third question: Indian youngsters may now take to the sport "in great numbers", is this a good or a bad thing for India? Trivial questions? Maybe. But I have a nasty feeling that a lot about India's future might depend on finding the answers.

No comments: