NAGPUR, April 15: Geet Sethi has got all the coveted billiards, snooker awards in his kitty. From the World Professional Billiards title, which he has won thrice, to the UK billiards crown. Known for his feather touch, his name also finds a place in the hallowed pages of the Guinness Book of World Records for notching up the maximum break of 147 by an amateur player.Sethi, however, is today a much-dejected man, thanks to the government's lackadaisical attitude towards the game.The hype and hoopla about the new Government's much tom-tommed scheme to encourage sports notwithstanding, the ace player said the Government was not in a position to even provide infrastructural facilities to enhance the medal-winning prospects in the Bangkok Asian Games, slated to be held this December."The green baize events will make its debut in the Bangkok Asiad but the government failed to provide tables for carrom billiards and pool games in the two coaching camps held at Bangalore," Sethi said.Sethi blamed thegovernment for providing a measly amount as financial aid for the camps. He said the government is paying Rs 90 per day as allowance to players, who are attending the camp. Interestingly, all the players are yet to receive the amount."It is irritating to go each and everytime to the government for this," a frustrated Sethi pointed out.He strongly advocated the need to revive the defunct All India Council of Sports, a consultative machinery of the Union Government, by appointing experts from various disciplines which would help the players get a better deal from the government.
