He is Andhra’s one of the most famous sons-in-law from the world of sports! Former world snooker champion, Ken Doherty, not many be aware, has a family connection to this ‘City of Destiny’ as he married an Indian Sarah whose father Daiva Prasad (a radiologist ) was a native of Vizianagaram and studied in Andhra University here before moving over to England and then settling down later in Melbourne in 70s.
This Irish snooker star is clearly delighted to be in the company of his in-laws – Prasad and Jussica – after clinching a thriller against Sam Baird in the on-going Indian Open snooker.
A sober Daiva Prasad remarked that he is pleased to be in this Port City and more so to see Doherty win the game too. “We are all proud of him and I feel he is one of the nicest guys. We are a well-knit family enjoying every moment,” he said as he was hemmed in by other members including Pramila, Jeevanand and Richard.
“I keep visiting Vizag almost every year. Remember the days after the Hudhud cyclone devastation. But, look at the development and what a fantastic sight,” said a beaming Prasad.
Interestingly, Jussica left the venue unable to bear the tension when the frame scores were tied three-all in the best of seven-frame match this morning. She just confined to her room and came out only when Doherty had clinched the issue. “Well, even I was under pressure as the family members were all clapping and the match poised for an exciting finish. Even I went to the washroom, had a look at the mirror to say to myself – what is happening, come on,” Doherty was seen telling her later on.
“I love this place and had a wonderful time last evening when some of my relatives have joined me and we had that lovely dinner having all the chapathis and curries,” said a smiling Doherty, who is also a TV commentator when not playing.
“I like to stay closer to the sea and this is such a lovely place with such beautiful people and the streets so colourful. Essentially, the people are so nice and polite,” he said.
Greatest experiences
The Irish star snooker player also takes pride in reminding gently that one of his greatest experiences on visiting India being a trip to Taj Mahal in Agra. “It was certainly one of the most beautiful sites I had ever been. It has been an incredible journey to that place meandering our way through long traffic jams. But that was all worth,” he recalled.
Clearly, Doherty is enjoying being with his family even as his wife, Sarah, who is a consultant psychiatrist in Dublin and the kids, couldn’t make it for this trip.