Sourav Kothari, the 41-year-old Indian cueist, has urged for the inclusion of cue sports in the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Kothari highlighted that billiards and snooker have long been dominated by Indian players, and their absence from multi-discipline events hurts the country's medal count.
India's Dominance in Cue Sports
India has a rich history in cue sports, with numerous world champions emerging from the country. Players like Geet Sethi, Pankaj Advani, and Sourav Kothari himself have brought glory to the nation. However, despite this dominance, cue sports are not part of the Commonwealth Games program.
Impact on Medal Tally
Kothari emphasized that the exclusion of cue sports reduces India's chances of winning medals in multi-sport events. He argued that if billiards and snooker were included, India could significantly boost its medal count, given the country's strong pool of talent.
The cueist's appeal comes ahead of the 2030 Commonwealth Games, which are scheduled to be held in a yet-to-be-announced host city. Kothari's statement has sparked discussions among sports administrators and fans alike about the need to include cue sports in future editions of the Games.
Kothari's call is not just about personal achievement but about providing a platform for Indian cueists to showcase their skills on a global stage. He believes that inclusion in the Commonwealth Games would also help popularize the sport in other countries and elevate its status worldwide.
