Face2News/Ludhiana
The Manisha Constructions National Pool Championship 2026 (9-Ball & 10-Ball) got off to an impressive start in Ludhiana on Tuesday, combining high-quality competition with a grand opening ceremony that underscored both the legacy and future of cue sports in India.
Organized by the Punjab Billiards and Snooker Association (PBSA) under the aegis of the Billiards and Snooker Federation of India (BSFI), the championship opened with matches beginning at 12:30 PM, followed by the second round at 2:00 PM, as players from across the country began their campaigns.
Early Matches Set Competitive Tone
Day one delivered closely contested encounters and strong performances across the board.
Among the notable results:
• Arun Chhabra, Punjab registered a solid 6–4 win over Jayant Kumar, Delhi
• Ankur Khullar, Punjab edged through a tense contest, winning 6–5
• Shokin Delhi, haryana produced a commanding display, defeating Nitin Gupta, Punjab 6–2
• Vinay Chawla of Punjab overcame Rajat Kaura, Punjab,6–4
The results reflected the depth of competition, with both experienced players and emerging talent making their presence felt early in the tournament.
Grand Opening Ceremony
The competitive action was followed by a grand opening ceremony that brought together leading figures of Indian cue sports. The ceremony was hosted by Ms. Manosha Sharma of Sharma Billiards, who welcomed players, officials, and guests.
Dignitaries present on the occasion included:
• Shri Rajan Khinvasara, Former President, BSFI and Founder of Manisha Constructions, title sponsor
• Shri Sunil Bajaj, Secretary General, BSFI
• Padma Bhushan Pankaj Advani, 28-time World Champion
• Mr. D.S. Bains, (rets. iAS) President, PBSA
• Mr. Alok Kumar, General Secretary, PBSA
• Mr. Sandeep Jalota, Treasurer, PBSA
• Mr. Hitendra Thapar, Director, Findoc (Associate Sponsor)
The ceremony concluded with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, officially declaring the championship open.
2026: A Landmark Year for Indian Cue Sports
A central theme of the ceremony was the significance of 2026 as the centenary year of the BSFI, marking 100 years of organized cue sports governance in India.
Addressing the gathering, BSFI Secretary General Sunil Bajaj highlighted India’s growing global stature and an ambitious international calendar ahead. He announced that India will host three major global events this year:
• The Commonwealth Cue Sports Championship in Ahmedabad (October 2026), expected to feature participation from over 45 countries
• The World Heyball Championship, set to attract players from more than 65 nations with a prize pool of approximately USD 400,000
• The IBSF World Snooker Championship (Men & Women) in Indore (November 2026)
These events position India as a major global hub for cue sports and reinforce its leadership role in the sport’s development.
Voices from the Ceremony
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Rajan Khinvasara reflected on his long-standing association with cue sports said, “I support this sport not as a sponsor, but out of passion. For over 25 years, cue sports has been like a family to me. Its growth is driven by people who are deeply committed, and that collective spirit continues to take Indian cue sports forward."
Pankaj Advani, India’s most decorated cueist, shared a candid perspective: "This is my first national pool championship, and I genuinely feel like an underdog in this format. It’s exciting to see the depth of talent, especially from North India, and events like these are essential for the sport’s growth."
PBSA President Mr. D.S. Bains emphasized the importance of grassroots development: "Our aim is to identify and nurture talent and provide players with the right opportunities to grow from the national to the international stage."
Mr. Alok Kumar, General Secretary of PBSA, added: "We are proud to host this championship in Ludhiana and remain committed to providing a strong competitive platform for players across all categories."
Championship Underway
With the opening rounds completed and the ceremonial proceedings concluded, the Manisha Constructions National Pool Championship 2026 is now fully underway.
As the tournament progresses, the championship is expected to showcase high-level competition and play a crucial role in shaping India’s next generation of international cue sports champions.