A Tribute to K.R.V. Narayan

01.01.1927 - 07.05.2008

The KSBA (Karnataka State Billiards Association) always enjoys the privilege of possessing variety of personalities both on and off the Table. The game’s administrators of the earlier decades, especially those who had shown the seeds for this magnificent tree, assumed 'giants' status in the sphere of sport administration in Karnataka.

Some of them made the most of their wide contacts in the society to help KSBA grow (from the tiny hall in Brigade Road to the imposing edifice of its own in the Millers Tank-bed Road) in a systematic fashion. Still others contributed their mite (out of sheer passion) with their money-power. There were also persons who strained their every sinew to build an enviable image for the sport in the state and in the country.  KRV Narayan, who passed away this morning in Bangalore, was one of those giants.

KRV, as he was known in the Indian cue sport circles, was a meticulous man. That has been his strength and that served well for KSBA for more than 5 decades in various capacities. He was Hon. Secretary of KSBA for almost 2 decades.

Whatever his position, he will first go to KSBA office. Like all meticulous persons, KRV too attached a lot of importance to each pie earned by the KSBA.  He was a man who never believed in extravagance. But if his colleagues/committee could convince him on the need of elaborate expenditure, KRV would shed his inhibitions and used to give the green signal. “If it is going to help the KSBA, let us do it”, he would say.

In spite of his failing health, 81 year old KRV, with the same enthusiasm shown 30 years ago was involved whole heartedly in KSBA’s 9 Crore modernization project, till he breathed his last. KRV was always outspoken and steadfast. He was a strict administrator and honest to the core. Feared and respected by all other members for the same.

With his hand core honesty was able to make a formidable team comprising S/Shri Chenniappan, Haji Jaffer, B.V.S.Satchi, C.V.Narayan, P.R.Pandu.

During his long association with KSBA, KRV had been a huge source of inspiration to his colleagues belonging to various age groups. Even when age and other family commitments prevented him from active participation, he always played the 'friend, philosopher and guide' role whenever the KSBA requested him to do so. That’s an adorable quality of persons belonging to a different era of our sport history. Precisely, his mind was with KSBA during the past 15 or 20 years. Now the bricks at the Brigade Road office of the KSBA must have vanished. But then, the bricks of the existing stadium would certainly sing the praise of those who dedicated themselves to the cause of Karnataka cue sport. KRV will ever remain as one of their favourites.

KRV, born on 01 January 1927 (there also he stood first) passed away today 07.05.2008. Survived by a son and 2 daughters. In Snooker parlance, KRV was a perfect 147. He will be missed not only by KSBA, but by the entire Sports fraternity.