But several months down the line, it hasn't come even in trickles, and the Bangalore boy, who has big dreams, is beginning to stare at stark reality -- his plans to enter the professional circuit are in jeopardy.

"I am hurt at the response to a world title and I just thought that the response would be better," Advani said in Bangalore.

The 18-year-old is determined to make it to the professional circuit but without corporate sponsorship his dream may not become a reality.

Advani said he has to go to England five times a year to participate in as many tournaments, perform well in them, get certain amount of ranking and points which would enable him to enter the professional circuit.

These five tournaments -- called the Challenge tour -- are not back-to-back, and they take place in the months of September, December, January, February and May. Each trip is estimated to cost around Rs. 500,000.

"Training itself is a huge expenditure," he says.

While Advani is appreciative of the Sports Authority of India and Central Government for giving him grants to go abroad and participate in World and Asian Championships, he needs corporate sponsorship as far as professional engagements are concerned -- like the Challenge tour and international invitation tournaments.

"There has to be some corporate sponsorship...some involvement of companies. Otherwise, I may not be able to further my career as far as professional ranking is concerned," he says.

Now that companies are not coming forward to support him, Advani is now planning to knock at the door of corporate houses himself.

He said, "I am trying to approach companies now for sponsorship and for endorsements. I just hope it works out. I just hope people would respond in a much more positive way.

"That way at least the sport should be encouraged. Today we say we want to win an Olympics gold medal ... the day we feel that we can win an Olympic  medal is only when that encouragement comes in terms of cash awards and incentives."

Advani said it's not true that India is not performing well in any sports.

"We have been doing well in snooker and billiards, shooting, badminton and chess."

India has won as many 17 world titles as well as ten Asian crowns in snooker and billiards, he reminded.

"While there is no taking away credit from cricketers who have been performing well, at the same time I feel that performance in sports like ours, badminton, chess and shooting needs to be looked at in terms of sponsorship," Advani said.

"What's due and entitled to us, we should get. Then we feel happy and motivated to perform better for the country. I see no reason why corporates should not come forward and extend sponsorship to sports like these. At least achievers should be supported.