Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Tuesday congratulated Pankaj Adavani for winning the World Professional Billiards title.
“On behalf of all Indians, I congratulate Pankaj Advani on winning the World Professional Billiards championship, the highest achievement in the game. Advani’s talent and determination epitomise the true spirit of sportsmanship," Singh said in a statement.
The 24-year-old Advani Sunday became only the second Indian after Geet Sethi to win the World Professional Billiards title in its 139-year history. In the final, he vanquished defending champion Mike Russell 2030-1253 in a five-hour final at the Northern Snooker Centre in Leeds.
Manmohan Singh said that Advani's victory will inspire youths in the country.
"I am sure that Advani’s victory will be an inspiration to youth in the country to take up sport and strive for excellence. I wish him all success in his future endeavours,” he said.