Mumbai: Cueist Mahesh Jagdale is no quitter now

Former India No. 3 cueist Mahesh wants to achieve international success at the age of 42

AGE is just a number for Mumbai cueist Mahesh Jagdale, 42, of Elphinstone Cricket Club. Last month, he became the top billiards player in the state at the Maharashtra State Selection Billiards, Snooker & 6 Red Snooker Tournament with an all-win (six matches) record.

Jagdale first defeated former Maharashtra No. 1 Shahyan Razmi 3-2 and Vishal Madan of Chembur Gymkhana by an identical 3-2 frame score. Later, he registered a 3-0 win over Malabar Hill Club's Rajeev Sharma. Jagdale then saw off Hitesh Kotwani of PJ Hindu Gymkhana for his fourth win on the trot. He snatched a close 3-2 win over Khar Gymkhana's Sparsh Pherwani before he blanked Dadar Club's Carl Serrao 3-0.

Jagdale, who was India No. 3 behind Pankaj Advani and Manan Chandra way back in 1999, recalled how he was forced to take a break from the sport for almost a decade after his dad Gajanan's health started deteriorating. "First, I stopped playing in 2001 as I had to take care of our family business [investment banking] since my dad was unwell. In 2012, I made a brief comeback and was the state champion, but then as fate would have it, I couldn't continue playing. I was completely out of touch with the sport from 2012 till 2020. It was during COVID-19 I got a chance to get back to my passion of playing billiards. Also, this wouldn't have been possible without the support of my family [dad, mom Suhasini, wife Novina and son Reyansh]," Jagdale told www.mid-day.com.

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The businessman felt the best thing about cue sports is that it doesn't have age as a barrier. "From the time I started training, I managed to perform well at the state level events [won gold this year, won bronze in 2022 and silver in 2021]. That inspired me to get back to where I left - representing the country in international events. Since my sport doesn't have any age restrictions, I want to prove myself again and reach greater heights. Dhruv Sitwala is a classic example of that. He is 50 and still playing. I want to believe that age is just a number if you keep your mind and body fit," remarked Jagdale. Meanwhile, the Powai-resident has already begun his preparations towards achieving his goal. "Billiards is all about precision and you need to be in touch regularly. My next focus will be to be among the Top 8 in the country and then get selected for the World Championship. First up, I want to do well at the Snooker and Billiards Nationals in Chennai this November. I also will be playing the National Games [likely to be held in Goa this December]. I remember reaching in the Top 16 of the 1998-99 World Championships which were played in Bangalore and Advani lost before me," said Jagdale.