Resentment seems to be brewing among top cueists of the country despite the Billiards and Snooker Players Association and the national Federation (BSFI) amicably agreeing on 'one man one discipline' rule for the Asian Games.
The rule allows a player to represent only in one discipline and if he or she qualifies in more events, the place has to be forfeited to the next best player.
The rule, which was introduced in the 2002 edition, was "discussed at length" by players and the Federation after the nationals and before the beginning of the qualifiers for the Asian Games, and it was unanimously agreed to be continued with, so as not to affect India's medal prospects.
The federation believes if a player participates in more than one discipline, his performance could be affected and a bad performance in one event could also influence the medal prospects in other events.
But players do not agree. Players say they are putting in all the effort to qualify and they are able to manage it in the finals as well. Rather, under-strength representation could cost the country medals.
As the fourth and last selection camp for the billiards and snooker begins at Nagpur on Monday, players are feeling it is unfair on them to be asked to decide on only one event despite qualifying in more disciplines for the big event.
Former World billiards and snooker champion Pankaj Advani feels that if a player is adept in more than one discipline, there is no reason to deny him a chance, as under-strength representation anyways has less medal prospects.
"It does affect the medal tally. You apply logic to this: if Manan Chandra is doing well in both 8-ball and 9-ball pool and going though the grind why should he not be given a chance, especially if he is talented enough," Advani said.
"That includes me and Ashok Shandilya also," he added.
"Last time, I was fifth in snooker but I was included because of the rule. But I did not get the medal because I was not good enough.
"Probably it may not affect the tally, because sports is so unpredictable. But we are trying to express our resentment and the top players feel strongly about the issue," he said.
Veteran Alok Kumar also echoed his views.
"Actually it has both the angles. It can and cannot have any affect. But, as a player, I feel the best players should be played," he said.
"In the Olympics, and other multi-disciplinary events also, athletes take part in more than one discipline. It also helps them relax besides it reduces pressure on them as they can always rely on their other discipline to make amends if things are not working in one event."
"In fact, I remember a top snooker player of Hong Kong, had lost to Manan Chandra. So the best do not necessarily guarantee you the medals," he said.
"If Dharmendra Lily has qualified in both 8-ball and 9-ball pool why should anyone else represent in any one of the discipline," he said.
Secretary of players' association Devendra Joshi, however, sought to play down the issue, saying the difference of opinion was only till the nationals but the matter was sorted out after discussion between the players and the Federation.
"We have same depth in all the disciplines. We have discussed it at length and unanimously decided to continue with the rule," he said.
"Now at this point of time when all the qualifiers are over and the last camp is beginning, why should this issue crop up again?"
Other players like as Yasin Merchant and Manan Chandra are also believed to be resenting the rule.
