Sourav Kothari's Emotional Fourth National Billiards Title After Father's Passing
Kolkata witnessed a poignant moment in the world of cue sports as Sourav Kothari clinched his fourth national billiards title, but this victory was unlike any other. The triumph came just weeks after the sudden loss of his father, Manoj Kothari, a former World billiards champion, who passed away on January 5. For Sourav, this crown will forever hold a special emotional significance, marking a journey of grief, resilience, and heartfelt dedication.
A Difficult Start to the New Year
The New Year began on a somber note for Sourav Kothari, as he grappled with the sudden demise of his father. "Losing your father is hard for everyone, but for me it was not just a father-son relationship, but baba (father) was everything for me," he shared in an emotional interview. The loss was so abrupt that Sourav initially hesitated to even participate in the tournament, admitting he did not send his entry initially.
It was the unwavering support from his family, friends, and officials of the Billiards and Snooker Federation of India (BSFI) that encouraged him to compete. The organizers showed immense compassion by tweaking the schedule to accommodate his last-minute decision, allowing him to reach on the day of the tournament itself.
Navigating the Tournament Amidst Grief
Despite his mental state, Sourav made a strong showing, advancing to the quarterfinals in snooker before securing the billiards title. "I never expected this title given the mental state that I was in," he confessed. Throughout the competition, he felt a profound sense of loneliness, missing the post-match calls with his father that were once a routine part of his games. "This time I sat alone in my room," he stated, highlighting the void left by his father's absence.
However, Sourav found solace in feeling his father's presence during the matches. "I genuinely felt baba was standing right next to my table as without him, I couldn't have hit three back-to-back 140-point breaks in the final," he revealed. This spiritual connection fueled his performance, culminating in an emotional breakdown on the table after his win, a moment he described as inexplicable.
A Tribute to a Legendary Father
In a touching gesture, the organizers honored Manoj Kothari by flashing his pictures on the back screen during the prize distribution ceremony. Sourav felt this tribute deeply, saying, "I felt like baba was looking at me as I lifted the trophy. This one for you baba." This victory not only adds another feather to Sourav's cap but also serves as a heartfelt homage to his father's legacy in the sport.
Sourav Kothari's journey in this tournament underscores the power of perseverance and familial bonds. His ability to channel grief into triumph has inspired many, making this national billiards title a memorable chapter in Indian sports history.
