Mumbai: Pillay bats for Joshi

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Mumbai: Hockey star Dhanraj Pillay was vehement that the Maharashtra government take notice of the feats of Mumbaikar Devendra Joshi who has made three finals of World billiards events besides winning the Asian title. “I know Joshi is the quiet type and won’t ask for anything. Why can’t the government reward him just as they do the Asian Games and Olympic stars?’’ asked Dhanraj as a felicitation function by Samira Habitat at Matunga Gymkhana on Saturday. Sameer Nerurkar of Samira presented a cheque for Rs one lakh in appreciation of Joshi’s recent feat of reaching the IBSF world time format final where he lost to Pankaj Advani. “For us Joshi is a winner because of the qualities he has shown and his consistency for a decade and more,’’ said Nerurkar. For three-time World winner Mike Ferreira, Joshi’s feat reminded him on his own. “I empathise with Joshi. Like him I too was runner-up three times in the world event. Khalid Ansari, the noted sportswriter, told me that I would always be the runner-up never the champ. This fired me up to win the title and prove a point. Joshi should follow my example and prove his detractors wrong. When in full flow Joshi is one of the most delightful players to watch. I saw him score a 600-plus break in Australia. I hope he goes on win the elusive world title,’’ said Ferreira.