Reaching the top in any sport is easier than staying there. But hard work and determination have helped carrom star S. Ilavazhaki remain on top of her game. The Vysarpadi resident has retained her World Cup crown at Richmond, USA, with a ruthless demolition of Kavita Somanchi in the final last week. Ilavazhaki, who is also the reigning world champion, is back home after yet another demonstration of her great skills in the board game. She made her US trip unforgettable by also winning the doubles title.
In an interview to this newspaper, the India No.1 spoke about the US conquest, besides her “burning” ambition to keep winning until she calls it a day.
Q: How confident were you of retaining the title?
Even though I had prepared well for the tournament, I was nervous at the start. As the defending champion, the pressure was on me.
Q: But the final turned out to be a breeze for you. Your opponent, Kavita, wasn’t even able to put up a good fight…
There is no doubt that Kavita, Reserve Bank of India’s long-time No.1, is a top-class player. She had pushed me to the second spot in the Federation Cup, which was held prior to the World Cup. I was ready for a long haul in the final. But she couldn’t give her best. I think she was rankled by her defeat at my hands in the league.
Q: What were the other memorable moments at the World Cup?
I scored two white slams — one in the league stage and the other in the Swiss league in which men also took part. The success of Tamil Nadu’s B. Radhakrishnan (one gold and a silver medal) and G. Revathy (one gold and a bronze medal) made the World Cup special for me. Tamil Nadu’s impressive medal haul has once again proved that carrom is big in our state.
Q: Any lows…
We missed players from Pakistan and Bangladesh because they couldn’t get visa. Their absence took a little bit of sheen away from the competition. They are good enough to challenge Indian players.
Q. You have been playing carrom for more than a decade. Is the sport more competitive these days?
Certainly. More and more youngsters are taking up the game. Established players have to be on their toes all the time. It is tougher to win an international title now than a few years ago.
Q. What are the requirements of carrom players in India?
Government jobs for international medal winners can be a major boost. I have been struggling without a permanent job even after winning the World Championship and the World Cup. ONGC has promised to recruit me shortly. I would also like corporate sponsorship for carrom players because playing tournaments abroad involves huge expenses. For instance, I struggled to cough up the money for my US trip. I would have missed the World Cup if not for the support of Velammal Educational CEO M.V.M. Velmurugan, IAS officer R. Christodas Gandhi and corporation councilor Armstrong.
Q. You have won every title that matters in international carrom. What keeps you going?
My desire to remain India’s best as long as I’m in the game is strong. I know it requires a lot of sacrifices. But there is no gain without pain. I’m ready for the challenge.