Matunga Gymkhana's Venkateshwaran Subramanian, popularly known as Raja, in a rare scenario, got a disability nomination at the World Billiards Championship that will be held at Leeds
Venkateshwaran Subramanian, popularly known as Raja, polishing his skills at Matunga Gymkhana
Venkateshwaran Subramanian, popularly known as Raja, polishing his skills at Matunga Gymkhana
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It is not often that you see a person with disability get a direct entry to compete in an open category event. Matunga Gymkhana's Venkateshwaran Subramanian, popularly known as Raja, is one such lucky sportsperson, who in a rare scenario, got a disability nomination at the World Billiards Championship that will be held at Leeds (October 17-26).
Subramanian is battling two disabilities — loss of sight in his right eye, following a freak accident when he was six and a polio-afflicted right leg. It is his sheer talent that sees him through his shortage of sight in a sport that requires unwavering precision coupled with hand-eye coordination.
Dual disability concerns
"While cue sports has no separate category for disabled cueists, giving a direct entry to a disabled player is a huge step for fellow disabled cueists. It could inspire many such athletes who in future can dream of competing in an open tournament. I have been lucky to have found sponsors in Concept Group, IDBI Federal Life Insurance, The Fan Garage and National Happy Homes for my trip this time," the Matunga resident said.
Before the World Championship, Raja will be playing in the WDBS Open Disability Snooker Championship in Gloucester, which will be held from October 14 to16, where he is the defending champion.
"In the disability event, I will compete in the group 4-5 category (a player with severe disability in one leg). There is no category for the other disability (vision) that I have, so it is a drawback for me. Even if the category is introduced, I will have to play in the same category since the rule says that a player can play only in any one of the disability category," Subramanian, the former India No. 8 told mid-day yesterday. Cue sport requires players to stand on their feet for at least a couple of hours, but that does not faze Subramanian.
"The leg is not a problem anymore, as I began playing the sport like that. If my eye injury had happened sometime after I had taken up the sport, it would have surely had an effect. There are still certain angles and shots where the disability does create a problem, but there are other ways to adjust."
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