Sports Authority of India stops funding to Cue Sports
 

In a major blow to cue sports and cueists across the country, the Sports Authority of India (SAI), decided to stop all future funding as the sport is not part of the Asian Games and the Olympic Games. The decision has shocked the sports fraternity as despite India's low profile as a sporting nation, cue sports has always been at the forefront producing world champions by the dozen.

"We wish to inform you that we have received a letter from Sports Authority of India, New Delhi stating that all future funding to cue sports will be stopped because we are not part of Asian Games or the Olympic Games," conveyed Secretary, BSFI in a release.

Having won a staggering 29 World titles, 12 Asian titles and 15 medals in the Asian Games, India is considered a powerhouse in billiards and a potent force in snooker. However, the SAI seems to have been ignorant of the rich history of cue sports in the country.

Independent India also owes its first ever world champion to cue sports. It was Wilson Jones' World Amateur title way back in 1958 that helped India bag its maiden title. It is a well-known fact that Jones's, a recipient of the Dhronacharya award nurtured Ashok Shandilya, Devendra Joshi, Dhruv Sitwala and many more who raised the bat several notches up with their performances in International arena.

Indian women too have not been far behind in emulating the success of their male counterparts. Anuja Thakur, Chitra Magimairaj, R. Umadevi have all been World Champions.

The next generation of India cueists are also creating waves at the international stage. Both Pankaj Advani and Aditya Mehta have qualified for the venue stages of the richest tournament in the professional circuit, International Championship in China.

New Delhi :: 10 October 2012