Aditya Mehta – The Hindu

Aditya Mehta will have a little extra motivation when he takes the table at the Commonwealth cue sports championships in Ahmedabad from Wednesday.

The former World No. 49 became a father in January, and there is one gift he would dearly love to take back home — an international title.

“I still haven’t won an international tournament since my daughter’s birth. That’s a huge motivation. I’d like win a title for her,” Aditya told The Hindu.

At 39, Aditya feels he has rediscovered a part of his game that had gone missing over the last few years due to injuries.

“There was a bit of a lull for me in the middle. I wasn’t quite the player I used to be. I fell, and then I didn’t really know where I was going. I’ve passed that phase now. I’m very comfortable with where I am today.”

His approach to practice has changed, too.

“It is more about getting quality out of those two or three hours,” he said. “I try to go in every day and do something a little better.”

Return to pro circuit

That renewed confidence has got Aditya thinking about a return to the professional circuit.

“A few years ago, I was not really sure whether I would ever want to go back to the professional tour. But if I continue down the road I’ve been on for the last year or so, I would like to have another crack at the pro tour.”

For now, though, his sights are firmly set on Ahmedabad — and that special gift for his little one.

“I definitely feel the game is there, and I’d love to win this time.”

“I definitely feel the game is there, and I’d love to win this time”