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World champion Kothari calls for billiards inclusion in 2030 CWG
Indian billiards champion Sourav Kothari, fresh from defending his world title, urged that billiards and snooker be included as regular medal sports in the CWG and Asian Games. He noted the sport's historical success for India in the Asian Games and spoke about future opportunities and personal context surrounding his title defence. The piece also mentions upcoming cue sport events and the potential return of cue sports to major competitions.
Why It Matters
If cue sports gain inclusion in major multi-sport events, it could influence funding, training, and visibility for players in India and globally.
Timeline
8 Events
Cue sports featured in Asian Games (1998–2010)
1998–2010
Cue sports were featured in the Asian Games from 1998 to 2010, with India emerging as the most successful nation in billiards and snooker during this period, clinching 15 medals across four editions.
IBSF World Snooker Championships planned in Indore
April 30, 2026
The article notes a possible IBSF World Snooker Championship in India, likely in Indore, to be held later in the year.
Upcoming snooker events in India
April 30, 2026
Kothari said he would be competing in a snooker event in Mumbai next week, followed by an IPL-style snooker league in Ahmedabad, with the IBSF World Snooker Championships likely to be held in Indore later this year.
Bittersweet world title defence after his father's death
April 30, 2026
Kothari described his world-title defence as bittersweet, four months after his father’s demise, and noted the final score of 1133-477 as part of that context.
CWG 2030 inclusion in India; call for concerted effort
April 30, 2026
He expressed a desire for billiards to be included in the CWG 2030 in India and urged a concerted effort by SAI, the ministry, and the federation to achieve this.
2030 Asian Games in Doha to return cue sports after 20 years
April 30, 2026
Kothari welcomed the return of cue sports to the Asian Games at Doha 2030 after being dropped after 2010.
Kothari calls for billiards inclusion in CWG and Asian Games
April 30, 2026
During a virtual interaction arranged by the Sports Authority of India, Kothari called for billiards and snooker to be regular medal sports in the CWG and Asian Games, arguing it would boost India’s medal tally.
Mukul Kothari passes away in January 2026
January 2026
Sourav Kothari disclosed that his father, Mukul Kothari, passed away in January 2026, describing a profound sense of void and noting his resilience in continuing competition.