New Delhi:
Yet to get a reply from Rahul Gandhi, two-time Asian champion cueist Yasin Merchant said he expects at least an acknowledgement of his letter from the AICC General Secretary.
Merchant recently wrote an emotional letter to Gandhi questioning the selection criteria for the Padma Awards and said his international achievements were "totally ignored".
Merchant said he was confident of "at least getting an acknowledgement from the Congress leader."
"I have not received any acknowledgement yet. But he (Rahul) has been touring a lot, of late. So let's see. But they can't refuse to acknowledge it now. The whole India has read the letter. But if they don't acknowledge it even now, I will feel very sorry for the sport," Merchant said.
"I had written to the Prime Minister (Manmohan Singh) and to (Congress president) Sonia Gandhi also. He (Rahul) is young, he is sincere and I have faith in him. That's why I have written to him now," he added.
Asked what sort of end did he wish to this controversy, Merchant said, "First, I want an acknowledgement. Secondly, they should apologise and concede that they have made a mistake and assure me that I'll get the award next year. But even if I get it, it will be a very bitter end to the tale."
Merchant felt cue sports in the country needed more accountability and a formal system if it was to keep producing good players.
Aspiring players should get formal coaching, there should be more talent development programmes and the youngsters should get exposure to the correct technique and the proper guidance, he said.
Sports authorities should identify talent, form a committee to scout it and then groom it. Nobody is born a champion, one has to be groomed, the Busan Asian Games gold medallist said.
"However, I think it will continue like this for sometime unless something drastic happens," he added. Merchant said he was now feeling the heat from younger players.
"I no longer want to compete, but want to create someone who can compete. But whenever I decide to hang my boots a good performance comes by, and I feel I am good enough for a little while more," he added.