Sourav Kothari Triumphs at IBSF World Billiards Championship with SAI Support

SAI Provides Financial Aid for IBSF Championship

In a significant move, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) has approved financial support for athletes participating in the IBSF World Men’s Billiards Championship held in Ireland. This assistance backs renowned players like Sourav Kothari, the reigning 2026 World Champion, and multiple-time champion Pankaj Advani, along with their coach Ashok Shandilya.

The championship concluded on April 29, with the trio competing thanks to government funding under the Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSFs) scheme, as reported in an official release.

SAI allocated around Rs 6.46 lakh to the Billiards and Snooker Federation of India (BSFI) to cover essential expenses such as travel, accommodation, and other costs associated with the competition.

Kothari's Remarkable Victory

On April 29, Sourav Kothari achieved a remarkable victory, successfully defending his title at the 2026 IBSF World Billiards Championship by defeating Pankaj Advani in an all-Indian final held in Carlow, Ireland.

His journey to victory was marked by a stunning comeback and an impressive break of 485 in the final, showcasing his determination and skill.

Emotional Journey and Personal Loss

During a press conference on Thursday, Kothari opened up about his emotional challenges and personal loss, sharing how he managed to secure a national title just days after his father's passing.

Reflecting on his mental state, Kothari admitted, "I don’t think I’ve been mentally tough, honestly. It’s a huge question mark as to how I’ve managed to win."

He recounted the moment he learned of his father's death while in Kolkata, expressing his grief and isolation during that time.

Kothari shared, "I won a national title seven days after dad passed away. I was in my room in Calcutta, locked away, weeping."

Despite his emotional struggles, he found encouragement from the BSFI Secretary and his mother, who urged him to continue competing.

He recalled, "I received a call from the BSFI Secretary saying that my father would have wanted me to play... My mom encouraged me to go and compete. I played and won the national title."

Kothari expressed his feelings of numbness and the unfairness of his situation, stating, "I’m carrying on because it’s what he wanted, and seeing me play was his happiness."

Future Aspirations

Looking forward, Kothari confirmed his participation in upcoming snooker events, including tournaments in India and preparations for the World Snooker Championship, which is expected to take place in Indore.

"There are many snooker events happening in India now... but I will be preparing rigorously for the World Snooker Championship," he stated.