Ahmedabad to Host Commonwealth Cue Sports Championships 2026 with Global Participation

Commonwealth Cue Sports Championships Set for Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad, Gujarat, is gearing up to welcome the Commonwealth Cue Sports Championships in October 2026, featuring competitors from 45 nations across five different disciplines. This event marks India's emergence as a significant player in the cue sports arena.

Following the inaugural Championships held in Mauritius in 2025, the second edition will take place at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex. It will showcase 10 medal events, including 10-Ball, Heyball, Blackball, SnookerWPA, and English Billiards, with separate competitions for men and women.

Organized by Apex Sports Promotion, the Championships will be conducted under the auspices of the Billiards & Snooker Federation of India (BSFI) and the World Confederation of Billiards Sports (WCBS). This event is part of Ahmedabad's preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, enhancing the city's reputation as a global sports hub.

WPA President Ishaun Singh, who recently visited India for the WPA Heyball World Championships in Pune, emphasized India's rich heritage in cue sports and its growing interest, which positions it as a vital market for the sport.

Singh remarked, "India has a robust background in cue sports, particularly in snooker and billiards, with some of the largest pool and snooker clubs located here. The enthusiasm among the people, coupled with excellent facilities, makes it an ideal environment for the sport."

He noted that the Commonwealth Championships would bolster the presence of international pool disciplines in India, expanding from four to five disciplines this year due to the increasing interest from the Indian population.

The Ahmedabad event has already garnered entries from 45 countries, with more entries still being accepted. Each Commonwealth nation is guaranteed one unranked entry, while additional spots will be filled based on world rankings, ensuring a competitive field of elite athletes.

The competition will feature 16 participants per gender in 10-Ball, Heyball, Blackball, and Snooker, while English Billiards will include eight athletes per gender.

Singh expressed confidence in India's potential to emerge as a leading nation in cue sports globally, citing the excitement and interest observed during visits to local pool clubs.

He stated, "I am nearly certain that India will become the top nation in cue sports. The enthusiasm and talent displayed by Indian athletes, even with limited events, indicate a promising future for the sport here."

Singh highlighted India's historical ties to cue sports as a significant advantage in promoting its growth.

The recent WPA Heyball World Championships in Pune, which featured a prize fund of USD 400,000, provided valuable insights into India's potential as a market for pool disciplines.

He noted that major international events could stimulate increased commercial investment in the country, as sponsors seek market opportunities following such events.

Singh also pointed out India's broader sporting aspirations, including a potential bid for the 2036 Olympic Games, suggesting that the sport's growing presence could enhance its chances for future Olympic recognition.

He concluded, "India has a strong possibility of hosting the Olympics in 2036 after Brisbane in 2032, with Ahmedabad being a frontrunner. Therefore, the WPA and WCBS aim to organize as many events in India as possible."

Singh expressed optimism that Indian athletes would make a more significant impact on the international stage as access to specialized tables and training improves, noting their natural talent and skill.