Independence Day is a reminder to represent India with pride & professionalism: Pankaj Advani

Time of India

5 hours ago

For Indian billiards champion
Pankaj Advani
, wearing the national colours has never been just about winning medals; it's always been about responsibility and the privilege of inspiring others through his sport.
On the occasion of the 79th Independence Day, the world champion — who will be part of the flag-hoisting ceremony at the historic Red Fort in Delhi today — reflects on what it means, as a sportsperson, to celebrate the nation's freedom and represent India on the global stage.
Excerpts:
'REPRESENTING INDIA, TO ME, HAS ALWAYS BEEN ABOUT MUCH MORE THAN WINNING'
'It's been 25 years now since I first wore the national flag on my chest, and it's a privilege and honour every single time,' says Pankaj.
The sportsperson explains, 'When you go abroad, you're an ambassador for your country, you're carrying that responsibility in how you play, how you conduct yourself, how professional you are. You want people to say, 'India is not just good at the sport, but is professional and respectful.
Every time I represent India, I'm aware it's bigger than me. It's about showing the world what we stand for: professionalism, respect, and the spirit to compete at the highest level, and that's the true essence of the sport; and Independence Day is a reminder of that.'
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Every time I represent India, I'm aware it's bigger than me. It's about showing the world what we stand for: professionalism, respect, and the spirit to compete at the highest level, and that's the true essence of the sport
Pankaj Advani
'INDIA MAY HAVE BEEN A ONE-SPORT NATION, BUT THAT IS CHANGING'
He acknowledges that India remains a one-sport nation in terms of mass following, but participation is evolving. 'People are taking up pickleball, paddle, Formula One, and even cue sports for fun, but the challenge is to connect them with the competitive side to make them watch and follow the best players in action,' he says. Today, India boasts champions across disciplines — Neeraj Chopra in javelin, PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal in badminton — and Pankaj believes these athletes inspire the next generation.
'Having a figure in each sport who consistently excels on the world stage is important. But inspiration alone isn't enough; understanding the process, the training, tournaments, funding, and equipment is what truly creates more champions,' he says.
Sports bring people together; it doesn't care about caste, wealth, or background. It's about testing yourself, not just against the best, but against your own limits — to win with humility and lose with grace
Pankaj Advani
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