KSBA honours State cueists

Association to focus on districts to unearth talent

Normally at every felicitation function organised by the Karnataka State Billiards Association, it is the immensely successful Pankaj Advani who is the centre of attraction. On Tuesday, however, it was the women who stole the spotlight despite the eight-time world champion sharing the stage.

Vidya Pillai and R Umadevi Nagaraj, the newly crowned National snooker and billiards champions respectively, basked in glory as the KSBA honoured them for their recent exploits. While complimenting them for their success, KSBA president S Balasubramaniam expressed concerns over the state of the men’s game in Karnataka.

Ever since Advani’s move to PSPB after the 2003 triumph, Karnataka has not produced a men’s champion with B Bhaskar ending runner-up in billiards on five occasions, including the last three years.

“While it is a really great show by the women who have brought home three titles, the biggest worry for KSBA is the lack of a winner amongst men,” said Balasubramaniam. “Ever since Pankaj’s victory in 2003, we’ve not had a men’s champion in the nationals. Despite having the best facilities in the country and not having a champion, it really hurts.

“Mundir Sherazi won the 2010 Junior Nationals, however, he has faded away rapidly for various reasons. As the president of the KSBA, it is my responsibility to address this issue. There is definitely talent out there but it needs to be identified and nurtured. We need to ensure talents are encouraged and we will do it. For talents to be identified we need to have a lot of district-level tournaments and that is something the committee is serious about.”

Vidya, who switched loyalties to Karnataka this year following marriage and motherhood, was offered a membership by the KSBA and the 35-year-old cueist said the gesture will only motivate her to do well in the upcoming events.

“The KSBA is a special place for every cueist in the country. I felt the spirit when I walked in for the first time here a decade ago and I still feel it. All I can say is, I’ve come back home.”

While Vidya was honoured with a cheque of Rs 20,000, Umadevi was richer by Rs 40,000 for winning the 8-ball pool Nationals as well. Varsha Sanjeev, the Sub-junior billiards champion who could not make it to the function owing to her 10th standard preliminary examinations, was awarded Rs 10,000.